Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has described President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a “scam,” calling on him to resign amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Aregbesola made the remarks while addressing delegates at the ADC National Convention in Abuja, delivering a scathing critique of the current administration.
“Distinguished delegates and our rival leaders, four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future. Now, three years into its term, it is still offering promises. When will this hope materialise? The answer is simple: it is a scam,” he said. “If allowed, this regime will continue chanting ‘renewed hope’ indefinitely. We have a duty to stop scammers from retaining power.”
The former Osun State governor argued that the administration has failed to deliver on key promises, particularly in electricity, economic stability, and general welfare.
“The government assured Nigerians that if it failed to provide stable electricity, it did not deserve a second term. Today, power supply has worsened significantly. Some parts of the country receive barely two hours of electricity daily, while others experience prolonged blackouts lasting weeks or even months,” he said.
“Ordinarily, a president who made such promises and failed so woefully should step aside and not seek re-election. Instead, we are witnessing what appears to be a desperate attempt to retain power at all costs, even if it undermines the democratic system.”
Aregbesola also criticised the administration’s handling of the economy, disputing claims of progress and highlighting the depreciation of the naira and rising fuel prices.
“The government points to exchange rate movements as evidence of economic competence. This is misleading. When this administration took office in 2023, the naira traded at about ₦700 to the dollar in the open market. Today, it is around ₦1,400, an enormous devaluation in an import-dependent economy,” he said.
“The cost of fuel has also surged dramatically, rising from between ₦185 and ₦238 per litre before this administration to about ₦1,400 per litre in many parts of the country. This is devastating for ordinary Nigerians.”
He noted that rising transport costs have made commuting increasingly difficult, further worsening living conditions.
Aregbesola also condemned the state of insecurity nationwide, accusing the government of failing to protect lives and showing insufficient empathy toward citizens.
He extended his criticism to the education sector and broader economy, claiming that the number of out-of-school children has risen from 18.3 million to nearly 20 million, while more Nigerians have fallen into extreme poverty.
Positioning the ADC as a viable alternative, Aregbesola urged Nigerians to support the party.
“We are here because the ADC is on a rescue mission to reclaim this country from the suffocating grip of the ruling party,” he said. “The APC has imposed an electoral system riddled with irregularities, where even false declarations appear to go unpunished.”
“The ADC stands on the aspirations and values of Nigerians who are weary of deception and mismanagement. Our existence is rooted in the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association and the right to participate in any political party.”
He added, “The country is drifting, and we cannot allow this slide into hopelessness to continue. There is no time to waste. We call on all conscientious citizens to join us. In moments like this, neutrality is not an option, those who sit on the fence risk enabling the very forces that threaten our nation.”
