Aregbesola Launches Scathing Attack on Tinubu's Administration at ADC Convention
Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of Osun State and current national secretary of the African Democratic Congress, has delivered a blistering critique of President Bola Tinubu's administration, labeling its flagship "renewed hope" agenda as nothing more than a deceptive scam. Speaking during the ADC's national convention in Abuja, Aregbesola argued that nearly three years into Tinubu's tenure, Nigerians have yet to witness tangible improvements from the promises made at the outset of this government.
Questioning the Substance Behind the Slogan
Aregbesola pointedly questioned the continued reliance on the "renewed hope" messaging, asserting that it has failed to translate into meaningful progress for ordinary citizens. "Four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope. Now, three years into its tenure, it is still promising renewed hope. When exactly will this hope come into fruition? The answer is simple: it is a scam," he declared emphatically. He warned that if left unchecked, the administration would perpetuate this cycle indefinitely, urging citizens to prevent what he termed "scammers" from retaining power.
Highlighting Deteriorating Socio-Economic Conditions
The former minister highlighted several alarming indicators of worsening conditions under the current administration:
- Rising poverty levels, with millions of Nigerians now facing multidimensional poverty.
- Increased number of out-of-school children, signaling a crisis in the education sector.
- Escalating insecurity, including widespread banditry and terrorism across various regions.
Aregbesola described this period as "the worst time in terms of security in the nation," citing ongoing attacks by armed groups. He also criticized President Tinubu's response to the 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State, noting that during a condolence trip, the president failed to visit the affected community, instead holding court at the state government house.
Warning Against Poor Governance Standards
Aregbesola issued a stark warning about what he perceives as a dangerous drift toward substandard leadership. "We cannot allow kakistocracy in Nigeria," he stated, using the term for government by the least qualified or most unscrupulous citizens. He specifically referenced the administration's commitments on electricity supply, recalling that the government had previously stated it should not be voted for if it failed to provide reliable power. "An honest president would step down rather than seek re-election under such circumstances," Aregbesola added, suggesting the administration should be judged rigorously on its promises.
Defending ADC Leadership and Accusing INEC of Bias
Turning to internal party matters, Aregbesola vigorously defended the leadership of David Mark as chairman of the ADC, asserting that due process was meticulously followed in his appointment. He revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission was duly informed and that INEC officials had observed their last National Executive Committee meeting, with formal reports submitted and acknowledged.
However, Aregbesola also launched accusations against INEC, claiming the electoral body exhibits clear bias. He contended that the ruling All Progressives Congress feels threatened by the ADC's growing influence, describing the opposition party as "now the largest opposition platform with major political actors." "It is clear that the APC is jittery," he remarked, calling on the international community to take note of what he characterized as INEC's prejudiced actions.
Broader Political Context and Implications
Aregbesola's comments come amid increasing criticism of government performance from various quarters. His remarks at the ADC convention signal a hardening of opposition rhetoric as political tensions rise. The former governor's transition from a prominent figure within the ruling party to a vocal critic in the opposition underscores the shifting allegiances and intensifying debates surrounding governance and accountability in Nigeria. This development highlights the challenges facing the Tinubu administration as it approaches potential re-election campaigns, with opponents leveraging socio-economic grievances to galvanize support.
