By Our Correspondent
National News – Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has strongly responded to claims made by former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, describing the ruling party’s Renewed Hope agenda as a “scam” during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention in Abuja.
Speaking at the convention, Aregbesola accused the APC-led administration of failing Nigerians, alleging economic hardship, rising fuel prices, naira depreciation, and worsening power supply, while calling on President Bola Tinubu to step down.
Responding on X, Onanuga dismissed the allegations, insisting Aregbesola lacks moral authority due to his records as Osun governor and Minister of Interior, citing unpaid salaries, pension issues, and alleged insecurity challenges during his tenure.
He further claimed that the former minister’s administration was marked by jailbreaks, prison attacks, and passport processing difficulties, while defending Tinubu’s reforms as necessary steps to stabilise the economy and improve governance nationwide.
Weighing in on the controversy, Onanuga maintained that the Renewed Hope agenda remains focused on economic recovery, social intervention, and national development, urging Nigerians to disregard what he called politically motivated criticisms ahead of the 2027 elections.
The exchange highlights growing political tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition voices ahead of future elections, with both sides trading accusations over governance performance, economic reforms, and public welfare outcomes across Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the ADC convention in Abuja, where Aregbesola spoke, Onanuga responded via social media, and the debate intensified over Nigeria’s economy, fuel subsidy removal impacts, currency depreciation, and infrastructure challenges affecting citizens nationwide.
Analysts say the development underscores a deepening political narrative war, as both camps attempt to shape public perception of reforms, accountability, and governance ahead of the 2027 general elections, with citizens closely watching policy outcomes and leadership rhetoric.
