In a fierce rebuttal that underscores the rising tensions between President Bola Tinubu’s administration and some elements within the Yoruba political elite, the Presidency on Tuesday dismissed a recent statement by a faction of the Afenifere socio-political group, labelling its mid-term assessment of the President as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and “not grounded in facts.”
The biting response came in a statement signed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, titled: “Response To Afenifere Faction’s Deceitful Statement On President Bola Tinubu’s Mid-term.”
The factional Afenifere group had accused the Tinubu government of plunging Nigeria into deeper economic misery, democratic decay, and social regression, citing key reforms—like the fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation—as “unforced errors” that have exacerbated poverty and national unrest.
But the Presidency wasn’t having it.
“A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture,” Dare wrote.
“There have been significant achievements amid the expected challenges facing a country burdened by decades-old structural problems.”
Defending the Tinubu Doctrine: ‘Unpopular But Necessary’
Dare argued that President Tinubu’s economic reforms, while painful, are delivering measurable gains.
According to the Presidency, the removal of fuel subsidy alone saved Nigeria over $10 billion in 2023, while the unification of exchange rates spurred foreign reserve growth and helped the nation record a ₦18.86 trillion trade surplus.
He also cited early signs of macroeconomic stabilisation, including progress in inflation control, rising foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments, and improved debt service-to-revenue ratios.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is Driving Nigeria’s Economic Comeback – Idris
“These are not the signs of a failing government,” Dare insisted. “They are signs of a government doing the heavy lifting to secure Nigeria’s long-term future.”
Social Support, Anti-Corruption Gains, and Rebuttal of ‘Authoritarianism’ Claims
In response to claims of worsening human development, the Presidency highlighted several social intervention programs:
5.7 million households benefiting from the renewed cash transfer scheme
Launch of NELFUND student loans
Increment of NYSC allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000
Disbursement of palliatives to states
Launch of CNG bus initiatives
Revitalisation of over 1,000 PHCs nationwide
Training of 150,000 youths under the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme
On anti-corruption, the Presidency pointed to the suspension of a cabinet minister over alleged misconduct, the EFCC’s 4,111 convictions in 2024, and the recent forfeiture of a 725-unit estate handed to the Ministry of Housing.
Dismissing allegations of democratic decline, the statement noted that the judiciary has consistently upheld opposition electoral victories, and recent INEC appointments have not been proven partisan.
“What is excused backstage will not be excused under the spotlight,” Dare stated in a veiled swipe at Afenifere’s alleged double standards.
A Call for Unity, Not Division
Concluding, the Presidency urged political groups to avoid weaponising disinformation and called for collective responsibility in stabilising the nation.
“Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete—but it is firmly underway,” the statement declared, reaffirming Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the only credible path toward national recovery.