Rauf Aregbesola, national secretary of the African
Democratic Congress (ADC), has described President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope
agenda as a “scam”.
Aregbesola spoke on Tuesday at the party’s national
convention in Abuja, where he said the promises made by the Tinubu government
had yet to materialise nearly three years into its tenure.
The former Osun state governor accused the Tinubu
administration of deepening Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
“Four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed
hope. Now, three years into its tenure, it is still promising renewed hope.
When exactly will this hope come into fruition? The answer is simple: it is a
scam,” Aregbesola said.
“If allowed, this regime will continue to chant renewed hope
till eternity. We have a duty to stop these scammers from retaining power.”
He cited worsening poverty and education indicators as
evidence of governance failure.
Aregbesola claimed that the number of out-of-school children
has risen from 18.3 million to 20 million, while about 130 million Nigerians
are now classified as multidimensionally poor.
He also criticised the federal government’s handling of
insecurity, particularly its response to attacks by bandits and terrorists
across the country.
“This has been the worst time in terms of security in the
nation, with banditry and terrorism spreading across the country,” he said.
”But also worried is the lack of empathy by the president
after the 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue state. The president, on a condolence
trip, did not visit the affected community; rather, he held court at the
government house in Benue state.”
The former governor further argued that Nigeria risks being
governed by what he termed “the least qualified”, warning against what he
described as a drift towards kakistocracy.
“We cannot allow kakistocracy in Nigeria,” he said, adding
that the administration should be held accountable to its own commitments,
particularly on power supply.
“The government once said it should not be voted for if it
fails to provide electricity. An honest president would step down rather than
seek re-election under such circumstances,” he added.
On party matters, Aregbesola defended the leadership of
David Mark as chairman of the ADC, insisting that due process was followed and
that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been duly
notified.
“Nobody has the locus standi to challenge the leadership of
David Mark. Our last NEC meeting was observed by INEC officials, and the report
was formally submitted and acknowledged by the commission,” he said.
Aregbesola also accused INEC of partisanship and alleged
that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is unsettled by the growing
strength of the ADC.
“The ADC is now the largest opposition platform with major
political actors. It is clear that the APC is jittery,” he added.
”We call on the international community to take note of
INEC’s biased actions.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NOP NIGERIA to reach thousands of our daily users
