The Presidency has fired back at former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu, describing his remarks as misleading and politically motivated.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition of “desperate politicians” lacking a coherent national vision.
Onanuga was reacting to Aregbesola’s comments at the party’s National Convention in Abuja, where the former minister reportedly described the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “classic scam.”
In a strongly worded response shared on X, Onanuga accused Aregbesola of echoing opposition narratives and attempting to misrepresent the government’s performance. He also criticised the former governor for calling on President Tinubu—whom he described as Aregbesola’s former mentor and benefactor—to resign.
The presidential aide further took aim at Aregbesola’s track record in public office, alleging that his eight-year tenure as governor of Osun State was marked by economic hardship, including unpaid salaries and suffering among pensioners.
On his time as Minister of Interior, Onanuga claimed Aregbesola presided over inefficiencies in passport issuance and security lapses, citing incidents such as prison breaks, including the Kuje correctional facility escape.
“It is ironic that someone who failed to secure correctional centres now seeks to lecture others on insecurity,” Onanuga said.
Defending the current administration, he acknowledged that ongoing reforms have had unintended consequences but insisted that measures such as cash transfers and support for small businesses are in place to cushion the effects.
He added that key economic indicators are showing signs of improvement, pointing to growth in GDP, stronger foreign reserves, and a rising stock market as evidence of increasing investor confidence.
Onanuga maintained that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains a credible policy direction and not the “scam” critics have labelled it.
