Presidential aide defends Tinubu’s reforms, attacks ex-Osun governor’s record, and dismisses opposition criticism as distorted and self-serving

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has launched a scathing attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC), branding the party a coalition of “desperate politicians” and “power mongers” with no credible national vision.

Onanuga’s remarks came on Tuesday in response to criticism from ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who, during the party’s National Convention in Abuja, described the APC-led government’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “classic scam” and reportedly urged President Tinubu to resign over worsening economic conditions and insecurity.

In a strongly worded post on X, Onanuga dismissed Aregbesola’s comments, saying: “No, Rauf. The real scammers are the politicians inside the SPV called ADC.” He accused the former Osun State governor of echoing opposition rhetoric and deliberately misrepresenting the administration’s performance.

According to Onanuga, Aregbesola’s call for Tinubu’s resignation reflects “parroted opposition narratives” and exaggerated accounts of insecurity. He further alleged that reports of terrorist attacks in parts of the country were being “orchestrated” to discredit the government.

The presidential aide also turned the spotlight on Aregbesola’s record in office, describing his eight-year tenure as governor of Osun State as one marked by severe hardship. He claimed civil servants experienced prolonged salary delays, while pensioners endured significant suffering.

Onanuga did not spare Aregbesola’s time as Minister of Interior, arguing that his tenure was plagued by inefficiencies and security lapses. He cited the difficulties Nigerians faced in obtaining passports and referenced multiple prison breaks, including the high-profile Kuje correctional facility escape.

“It is ironic that someone who failed so woefully to secure correctional centres now seeks to lecture others on insecurity,” Onanuga said.

Defending the Tinubu administration, Onanuga acknowledged that ongoing economic reforms have brought short-term challenges but maintained that targeted interventions are in place to cushion the impact. These include cash transfer programmes and support initiatives for small businesses.

He also pointed to what he described as positive economic indicators, including GDP growth, improved foreign reserves, and a strong stock market, as signs of increasing investor confidence.

Onanuga concluded firmly: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a scam.”