Presidency rebuts Afenifere faction’s vriticism, highlights Tinubu’s reform achievements
The Presidency on Tuesday rejected recent criticisms from a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which had accused the Tinubu administration of deepening economic hardship, weakening democracy, and promoting social decline.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Response To Afenifere Faction’s Deceitful Statement On President Bola Tinubu’s Mid-term,” Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the group’s claims as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and lacking factual basis.
Dare insisted that President Tinubu’s administration has made meaningful strides in economic recovery, democratic consolidation, and structural reforms through its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“A fair and data-driven analysis presents a different narrative — one of tangible progress despite long-standing national challenges,” Dare stated.
The reaction follows Afenifere’s earlier public statement accusing the government of worsening poverty, mishandling economic policies, and undermining democratic institutions. The group had dismissed key reforms like fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation as costly missteps that aggravated hardship.
However, the Presidency defended these reforms as necessary corrective measures. Dare said eliminating the fuel subsidy saved the country over $10 billion in 2023, while exchange rate unification helped strengthen foreign reserves and generated a ₦18.86 trillion trade surplus.
He also pointed to gains in curbing inflation, increased foreign investment pledges, and improved debt management metrics as signs of an economy on the mend.
On the social front, the statement listed several initiatives including:
- Cash transfers reaching 5.7 million households,
- The NELFUND student loan scheme,
- An increase in NYSC allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000,
- CNG bus rollout,
- Over 1,000 revitalized primary health centres, and
- Training of 150,000 youths under the 3 Million Technical Talent programme.
Addressing corruption allegations, the Presidency cited concrete actions, such as the suspension of a cabinet minister over financial misconduct, 4,111 EFCC convictions in 2024, and the recovery of high-value assets — including a 725-unit estate handed over to the Ministry of Housing in May.
Responding to Afenifere’s concerns about democratic backsliding, Dare rejected the claims, noting that opposition victories have been upheld in court and no credible evidence exists to suggest partisan bias in electoral appointments.
Quoting a popular saying, Dare added, “What is excused backstage will not be excused under the spotlight.”
The statement ended with a call for unity, urging all political actors to focus on facts, support reform efforts, and contribute to Nigeria’s path toward economic recovery and national renewal.
“Nigeria’s comeback story is far from over — but the journey is clearly in motion,” Dare concluded.
