The Presidency has launched a scathing response to remarks by former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, accusing him and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of hypocrisy, poor governance records, and lacking credible alternatives for Nigeria.
In a strongly worded statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Aregbesola was criticised for calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign during what was described as an “illegal elective convention” of the ADC.
Onanuga alleged that Aregbesola’s comments merely echoed opposition narratives about the economy and insecurity, insisting they were misleading and politically motivated. He argued that the former minister failed to reflect on his own tenure both as governor of Osun State and later as Minister of Interior.
The Presidency claimed that Aregbesola’s eight-year administration in Osun was marked by severe financial strain, including unpaid salaries and pensions. According to the statement, civil servants and retirees faced prolonged hardship, with some reportedly receiving only a fraction of their wages during that period.
It further asserted that subsequent administrations, including that of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola and current governor Ademola Adeleke, have had to contend with the aftermath of those policies.
On national security, the Presidency also faulted Aregbesola’s record as Interior Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari. It cited multiple prison breaks during his tenure, including the high-profile Kuje Prison break, as evidence of what it described as a failure to secure correctional facilities.
The statement noted that several attacks on custodial centres across the country led to thousands of inmates escaping, raising concerns about public safety at the time.
Defending the current administration, Onanuga maintained that the government of President Tinubu has acknowledged the economic challenges stemming from ongoing reforms but has introduced measures to cushion their impact. These include an increase in the minimum wage, social intervention programmes, and support for small businesses.
He also highlighted efforts to tackle insecurity through increased funding for the military and intelligence agencies, as well as international cooperation to combat terrorism and banditry.
According to the Presidency, the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is yielding positive results, pointing to improvements in economic indicators such as inflation, foreign reserves, and investor confidence.
Onanuga concluded by warning Nigerians against what he described as “power-hungry politicians” attempting to exploit isolated security incidents and economic concerns for political gain, insisting that the ADC lacks a coherent programme for national development.