Onanuga Fires Back at Aregbesola Over Criticism of Tinubu Administration

The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed recent remarks by former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as “ranting,” following sharp criticism of the current administration.

Onanuga was reacting to comments made by Aregbesola at the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held in Abuja, where the former minister described the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a “scam.”

Aregbesola’s Criticism

Speaking during the convention, Aregbesola said the ADC was on a “rescue mission” to free the country from what he called the “strangulating grasp” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He criticised the administration’s economic policies, citing the depreciation of the naira from around N700 to the dollar in 2023 to about N1,400, which he described as a “devastating” development for Nigeria’s import-dependent economy.

Aregbesola also pointed to rising fuel prices—now around N1,400 per litre compared to between N185 and N238 previously—as well as increased transportation costs and worsening electricity supply across parts of the country.

“The government’s claim that recent improvements show economic mastery is false,” he said.

He further called on President Tinubu to step down, arguing that the administration had failed to meet key promises, particularly in the power sector.

Onanuga’s Response

In a post on X, Onanuga rejected Aregbesola’s claims, arguing that the former minister lacked the moral standing to criticise the current government.

He described Aregbesola’s remarks as the outburst of a politician with a “failed record” in public office, referencing his past roles in government.

Political Tensions Rise

The exchange highlights growing political tensions ahead of future elections, with opposition voices increasingly criticising the government’s handling of the economy and governance.

The ADC convention also served as a platform for the party to position itself as an alternative to the ruling APC.