The Presidency has strongly criticised former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, following his recent remarks against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform of “desperate politicians” lacking a clear national vision. He was reacting to Aregbesola’s comments at the party’s national convention in Abuja, where the ADC chieftain described the APC government’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “scam.”
In a post on his X account, Onanuga countered the claim, insisting that the real issue lies with politicians within the ADC. He accused Aregbesola of echoing opposition narratives and misrepresenting the government’s performance.
Onanuga also took aim at Aregbesola’s record in office, stating that his eight-year tenure as governor of Osun State was marked by hardship, including unpaid salaries and suffering among pensioners.
He further criticised Aregbesola’s time as Minister of Interior, describing it as a period when obtaining Nigerian passports became difficult and security lapses, including prison breaks such as the Kuje correctional facility incident, occurred.
According to Onanuga, it is ironic for Aregbesola to speak on insecurity given his alleged shortcomings in managing correctional centres during his time in office.
Defending the current administration, Onanuga acknowledged that some government reforms have had unintended effects but stressed that measures such as cash transfers and support for small businesses have been introduced to ease the burden.
He added that key economic indicators are showing improvement, citing growth in GDP, stronger foreign reserves, and increased investor confidence reflected in the stock market.
Onanuga maintained that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains a genuine reform plan and not a scam, as claimed by Aregbesola.