Presidency Slams Aregbesola Over Tinubu Criticism, Takes Swipe at Buhari Era

Presidency Slams Aregbesola Over Tinubu Criticism, Takes Swipe at Buhari Era

The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention held in Abuja.

The response, issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, not only defended the current administration but also contained pointed remarks widely interpreted as an indirect critique of the former administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, under which Aregbesola served as Minister of Interior.

Aregbesola had, at the ADC convention, described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a “scam” and declared that the 2027 election would not be a “walkover” for Tinubu, accusing the administration of authoritarian tendencies and efforts to suppress opposition voices.

In a detailed response, Onanuga accused Aregbesola of hypocrisy and pointed to what he described as failures during his tenure in public office, both as governor of Osun State and as Interior Minister.

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He alleged that Aregbesola’s tenure as Governor of Osun State was marked by severe financial hardship, including unpaid salaries, delayed pension payments, and fiscal instability that reportedly led to the state receiving negative federal allocations at the time. He further claimed that many pensioners suffered during the period due to non-payment.

The presidential aide also stated that Aregbesola’s successor inherited significant governance challenges, which subsequent administrations in Osun have continued to address.

Turning to his time as Minister of Interior under the Buhari administration, Onanuga alleged that Nigeria experienced its highest number of jailbreaks during that period, citing incidents including the Kuje Correctional Centre attack and other prison breaks across several states such as Imo, Kabba, Jos, and Abolongo.

He further criticised what he described as inefficiencies in passport processing and lapses in correctional facility security during Aregbesola’s tenure, arguing that over 4,000 inmates escaped in multiple prison attacks within the period.

“For someone who failed so woefully to secure correctional centres, it is ironic that he now lectures others on insecurity,” Onanuga said in the statement.

Defending the current administration, Onanuga said the Tinubu government has acknowledged the hardship caused by ongoing economic reforms but insisted that measures have been introduced to cushion their effects. These include an increase in the minimum wage, expanded cash transfer programmes, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.

He also claimed that macroeconomic indicators have improved under Tinubu’s leadership, citing inflation reduction, stronger foreign reserves, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

On security, the Presidency said the government is strengthening the armed forces, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies with improved funding and equipment, alongside international cooperation to tackle terrorism and banditry.

Onanuga also defended the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a reform programme aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring growth, while dismissing criticisms from opposition figures gathered under the ADC coalition.

At the ADC convention, Aregbesola had also accused the Tinubu administration of suppressing opposition and warned that the 2027 elections would be competitive, insisting that there would be “no coronation” for any candidate.

The exchange highlights rising political tensions between key figures within Nigeria’s ruling political circles and opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Further reactions are expected from political stakeholders as the debate continues.

 

Presidency Slams Aregbesola Over Tinubu Criticism, Takes Swipe at Buhari Era