April 15, 2026 | Politics | SUNTV Global Channel
The presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a fierce attack on former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, describing his record in office as a failure and questioning his credibility to criticise the current administration.
The sharp response, delivered by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, followed Aregbesola’s comments at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention, where he reportedly called on President Tinubu to resign over economic hardship and insecurity.
Presidency Fires Back
Reacting to the remarks, Onanuga dismissed the ADC gathering as illegitimate and accused opposition figures of lacking any meaningful vision for the country.
“My attention has been drawn to Aregbesola’s attack at what can only be described as an illegal ADC convention—a gathering of desperados and power seekers who have yet to present any credible plan for Nigeria,” he said.
He further criticised Aregbesola for turning against a leader he once closely aligned with, accusing him of echoing what he described as “distorted opposition narratives.”
“Aregbesola Left Hardship in Osun”
The presidency argued that Aregbesola’s tenure as governor of Osun State was marked by hardship, alleging that civil servants and pensioners suffered under his policies.
“His eight years in Osun were characterised by severe hardship. Salaries were delayed for months, and when paid, workers received fractions of what they were owed,” Onanuga stated.
He added that many pensioners were left unpaid, worsening living conditions for retirees during that period.
According to the presidency, the aftermath of Aregbesola’s administration left a heavy burden for subsequent governments, including that of Adegboyega Oyetola and the current administration under Ademola Adeleke.
Criticism of Interior Ministry Record
Onanuga also took aim at Aregbesola’s tenure as Minister of Interior under former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a period marked by major security lapses.
He cited multiple prison breaks across the country, including the high-profile Kuje prison attack in Abuja, and claimed that thousands of inmates escaped during his time in office.
“Obtaining a Nigerian passport became a nightmare, and correctional facilities were repeatedly attacked,” he said.
“Irony of Criticism”
The presidency described Aregbesola’s recent criticism of the Tinubu administration as ironic, given what it termed his own failures in office.
“For someone who performed so poorly in securing correctional facilities, it is ironic that he now seeks to lecture others on insecurity,” Onanuga said.
Tinubu Government Defends Policies
Defending the current administration, Onanuga acknowledged that ongoing economic reforms have created temporary hardship but insisted that measures are in place to ease the burden on Nigerians.
He highlighted initiatives such as increased minimum wage, cash transfers to vulnerable citizens, and support for small businesses.
On security, the presidency said the government continues to invest in military strength and intelligence coordination to tackle terrorism and banditry, challenges it described as inherited.
Rising Political Tensions
The exchange underscores growing tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures, particularly within the ADC.
Onanuga concluded with a blunt dismissal of the opposition’s claims:
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a scam. The real problem lies with politicians who have failed in the past but now seek to rewrite history.”
As political rhetoric intensifies, the clash signals an increasingly heated build-up in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
