Presidency punches back: ‘Afenifere’s attack jaundiced, prejudiced, baseless’

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Presidency has issued a forceful rebuttal to a scathing mid-term assessment by a factional group of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, accusing the group of deliberate misinformation and political bias against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a detailed statement released by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, the Presidency described the group’s criticisms as “jaundiced,” accusing it of “echoing opposition talking points” and refusing to acknowledge “undeniable gains under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity,” Dare said.

“They have found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.”

Addressing the group’s claim of “economic mismanagement,” Dare defended Tinubu’s economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation, stating that these reforms were long overdue and have begun yielding results.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors,” he noted.

While admitting the reforms came with short-term hardship, he stressed that “annual inflation fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% the previous month, with food inflation moderating to 21.26%.”

Dare added: “Over 900,000 Nigerians have accessed the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, 600,000 have benefited from the Students’ Loan Scheme (NELFUND), and NYSC stipends have more than doubled—from N33,000 to N77,000.”

He also highlighted the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, payment of N70,000 minimum wage to federal workers, and N75 billion in food palliatives to states and LGs as evidence of active social intervention.

Refuting claims of ballooning governance costs, Dare said the Tinubu government is gradually implementing the Oronsaye Report and has demonstrated fiscal responsibility.

“The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped to under 40% by 2024,” he stated. “Over N6 trillion in revenue was recorded in Q1 2025, driven by the removal of Ways & Means financing and subsidy withdrawal.”

Responding to allegations of prebendalism and corruption, the Presidency pointed to the record-breaking 4,111 convictions secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2024 and over N364 billion in asset recoveries.

“The suspension of Betta Edu over alleged fund diversion proves that this administration does not shield wrongdoers,” Dare said.

“The final forfeiture of a massive 150,500 sqm estate in Abuja with 725 housing units is the EFCC’s largest recovery to date,” he added.

The Presidency rejected claims that the Tinubu government is undermining democracy, pointing to Supreme Court rulings that upheld opposition wins in states such as Kano, Plateau, and Abia.

“INEC may face criticism, but no proof has emerged to show that its officials are APC card-carrying members,” Dare noted. “The administration is committed to institutional rebuilding, not erosion.”

He added that ongoing discussions on state policing are guided by caution and security impact assessments, not authoritarian intent.

On security, Dare said the government’s proactive approach has neutralised over 13,500 terrorists and arrested 7,000, resulting in the return of farmers to their lands and increased food production.

He also cited the establishment of six regional development commissions and agricultural interventions including tractor deployment and fertiliser distribution, as part of inclusive governance.

Dismissing claims of political interference in opposition parties, Dare argued: “There is no evidence to support the accusation that the administration is instigating internal crisis within the opposition.”

He highlighted Nigeria’s 4.6% GDP growth in Q4 2024, a Fitch upgrade, and Moody’s improved rating as proof that reforms are working.

“We are not blind to the difficulties Nigerians face, but these reforms are laying a solid foundation. With growing FX reserves, record investment inflows, and regional development initiatives, Nigeria’s turnaround is underway.”

“The Afenifere faction sees the cup as half empty,” Dare concluded. “But under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is firmly on the road to recovery—stabilising the naira, reducing inflation, boosting investment, and delivering bold reforms. The comeback story is not yet complete, but it is undeniably underway.”