A fresh political firestorm has erupted after presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga launched a blistering response to former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, following his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Onanuga described Aregbesola’s comments at an African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathering as “reckless,” accusing him and others in the party of spreading misinformation about the current administration.
He further revisited Aregbesola’s time as governor of Osun State, alleging that the period was marked by unpaid salaries, economic hardship, and severe pressure on pensioners, claims he says continue to affect the state years later under leaders like Adegboyega Oyetola and Ademola Adeleke.
The presidential aide also criticized Aregbesola’s tenure as Minister of Interior under Muhammadu Buhari, linking it to repeated jailbreak incidents and security lapses across correctional facilities.
Defending the Tinubu administration, Onanuga insisted that ongoing economic reforms under the “Renewed Hope Agenda” are beginning to yield results, including improved investor confidence, targeted social support, and strengthened security investments.
He concluded by accusing opposition voices within ADC of lacking a credible alternative plan, describing their criticisms as politically motivated rather than solution-driven.
The exchange highlights deepening political tensions as key figures continue to clash over governance records, reform outcomes, and Nigeria’s political direction.