Nigeria on the Brink: Aregbesola Blasts Tinubu, Dismisses ‘Renewed Hope’ as Fraud

Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a blistering attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling on him to resign over what he described as deepening insecurity and economic hardship across the country.

Aregbesola, who spoke at the ongoing ADC National Convention in Abuja, said the administration’s much-publicised “Renewed Hope” agenda has failed to deliver tangible results, branding it outrightly as a fraud.

He declared that Nigerians are yet to experience any meaningful improvement nearly three years into the administration, stressing that the continued promises of a better future without results amount to deception.

“Those who deliberately split opposition parties are now being paraded as political strategists. Since when did criminality become a strategy?” he queried, taking a swipe at the political climate.

The former Osun State governor maintained that the ADC is driven by the aspirations of Nigerians and anchored on constitutional democracy, not on the influence of any individual or institution. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of eroding democratic values and fostering a culture of impunity.

According to him, the country’s economic situation has deteriorated significantly under the current administration. He noted that the naira has weakened sharply from about ₦700 to over ₦1,400 per dollar since 2023, a development he described as devastating for an import-dependent economy.

He also lamented the surge in fuel prices, saying the cost per litre has skyrocketed compared to pre-2023 levels, thereby worsening the cost of living and placing unbearable pressure on Nigerians.

“Transportation has become so expensive that many workers can no longer afford to commute to their places of work,” he said.

Aregbesola further criticised the state of electricity supply nationwide, noting that many communities now experience erratic power, with some receiving as little as two hours of electricity daily, while others remain in darkness for extended periods.

He argued that, based on earlier promises made by the administration to improve power supply, an honourable step would be for the President to step aside rather than seek another term.

On security, Aregbesola decried the persistent wave of violent attacks and loss of lives across the country, describing the government’s response as inadequate and lacking empathy.

He also expressed concern over the education sector, claiming that the number of out-of-school children has increased, while poverty continues to deepen among citizens.

“The country is drifting dangerously, and we cannot afford to remain passive,” he warned.

Calling for urgent political action, Aregbesola urged Nigerians to support the ADC’s “rescue mission” aimed at reclaiming the country from what he termed a failing system.

He cautioned that neutrality at such a critical time amounts to complicity, urging citizens to take decisive steps to prevent further decline.

The ADC convention, according to party sources, is expected to host over 300 delegates, with key agenda items including the affirmation of its National Working Committee and the adoption of a revised party constitution and manifesto.