Presidency replies Aregbesola after he called Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda a scam, triggering sharp political exchange ahead of 2027
The Presidency has issued a sharp response to former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola after he described President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a “scam”, escalating political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Rauf Aregbesola, speaking at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention in Abuja on Tuesday, had urged Nigerians to distrust the administration’s policy direction, in remarks that quickly triggered backlash from the ruling party.
In response, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised Rauf Aregbesola’s record in public office, describing his tenure as both governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior as unsuccessful.
Bayo Onanuga alleged that Rauf Aregbesola left Osun State with heavy debt and wage challenges, including periods where workers reportedly received reduced salaries.
He further accused Rauf Aregbesola of poor performance at the Interior Ministry, citing repeated jailbreak incidents during his tenure and claiming that Nigeria experienced multiple prison breaks across several states under his watch.
According to Bayo Onanuga, these developments undermined Rauf Aregbesola’s credibility to criticise the current administration’s security record.
The exchange has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with Nigerians divided in their assessments of both the Tinubu administration and Rauf Aregbesola’s past record in office.
Some commentators criticised worsening insecurity in the country, while others defended the Presidency’s rebuttal and questioned Rauf Aregbesola’s performance history.
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The political confrontation highlights rising tensions within Nigeria’s opposition and ruling blocs as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
