Anti-graft advocate warns of local, foreign pushback against Tinubu’s agenda

Anti-corruption advocate, Dr Babatunde Adeyemo, has warned that entrenched corrupt interests are pushing back against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, both within and outside the country, in an effort to undermine the progress recorded over the last two years.

Adeyemo, a veteran broadcast journalist turned real estate practitioner, made the remarks in Abeokuta during a 5km walk against corruption organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The event formed part of activities marking ‘Zero Tolerance for Corruption in Nigeria’, convened by the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC).
The walk, attended by Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, the Kabiyesi of Orile Ilawo, and NYSC members, began at the MKO Abiola International Stadium and concluded at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre.

Speaking after the march, Adeyemo said recent economic reforms, including subsidy removal, a more stable exchange rate, reduced oil theft and the introduction of oil import tariffs, have made Nigeria less susceptible to manipulation by corrupt actors. These gains, he said, are the very reason corruption is “fighting back”.

He cited the “desperate attempts” by some groups to portray Nigeria globally as a country engaging in genocidal attacks on Christians, arguing that such narratives are designed to derail the nation’s current economic trajectory. He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu as the government works to consolidate its reforms.

Adeyemo expressed concern that many young people were not recognising the administration’s efforts, blaming what he described as inadequate orientation. According to him, reforms in foreign exchange management now allow Nigerians to use Naira cards to withdraw dollars abroad, restoring confidence among banks and international partners.

He added that the significant drop in crude oil theft and the removal of fuel subsidy have narrowed the space for rent-seeking, making resistance from corrupt networks inevitable.

“Corruption is pushing back locally and internationally,” he said. “Unfortunately, many of our youths who should appreciate these reforms are not seeing the progress being made. We need proper orientation, especially among young people.”

Addressing recent security narratives, Adeyemo criticised attempts to frame Nigeria as a country engaged in religious genocide. He said insecurity affects communities irrespective of religion, noting that most affected northern states are predominantly Muslim, and that describing the situation as a targeted campaign against Christians is misleading.

He stressed the need for continued awareness campaigns, especially among youths and Corps members, to strengthen national unity and support ongoing reforms.