Aregbesola: Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda Is a Scam
Rauf Aregbesola, national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a “scam,” arguing that the administration has failed to deliver on its promises nearly three years into office.
Speaking on Tuesday at the party’s national convention in Abuja, Aregbesola said the government continues to make the same promises without tangible results.
“Four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope. Now, three years into its tenure, it is still promising renewed hope. When exactly will this hope come to fruition?” he asked. “The answer is simple: it is a scam.”
He added that the administration would continue to recycle the slogan indefinitely if not challenged. “We have a duty to stop these scammers from retaining power,” he said.
Aregbesola pointed to worsening socio-economic conditions as evidence of governance failure. According to him, the number of out-of-school children has increased from 18.3 million to 20 million, while about 130 million Nigerians are now classified as multidimensionally poor.
He also criticised the federal government’s handling of insecurity, describing the current period as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history.
“This has been the worst time in terms of security, with banditry and terrorism spreading across the country,” he said.
The former Osun State governor further expressed concern over what he described as a lack of empathy from the president, citing the federal government’s response to the 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State.
“On a condolence visit, the president did not go to the affected community but instead remained at the Government House,” he said.
Aregbesola warned that Nigeria risks descending into “kakistocracy”—government by the least qualified—if the current trajectory continues.
“We cannot allow kakistocracy in Nigeria,” he said, urging citizens to hold the administration accountable, particularly on its commitment to improving electricity supply.
“The government once said it should not be re-elected if it fails to provide electricity. An honest president would step down rather than seek re-election under such circumstances,” he added.
On party matters, Aregbesola defended the leadership of David Mark as chairman of the ADC, insisting that due process was followed and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was duly informed.
“Our last NEC meeting was observed by INEC officials, and the report was formally submitted and acknowledged by the commission,” he said. “No one has the locus standi to challenge David Mark’s leadership.”
He also accused INEC of partisanship, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is uneasy about the growing influence of the ADC.
“The ADC is now the largest opposition platform with major political actors. It is clear that the APC is jittery,” he said, calling on the international community to take note of what he described as INEC’s biased actions.