President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, has taken a swipe at a faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, over what he described as a misleading and politically motivated assessment of the President’s two-year administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a detailed rebuttal released on Monday, Dare accused the group of deliberate misinformation and a refusal to acknowledge what he called the “substantial progress” made under President Tinubu, insisting that the administration has laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s long-term economic and political stability.
‘Deceitful Posture Masked as Patriotism’
Dare faulted the Afenifere faction’s claims that the Tinubu administration had caused “economic mismanagement, regression in human development, and democratic backsliding,” dismissing the statement as a politically-coloured opinion echoing opposition rhetoric.
“The faction’s inability to separate facts from political bias is obvious,” he said. “This jaundiced view is consistent with the position of the opposition candidate the group supported during the 2023 elections.”
Economic Reform: Tough but Necessary — Dare
The statement particularly defended the economic reforms spearheaded by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange rate — both of which, Dare acknowledged, brought short-term discomfort but were essential for fiscal recovery.
According to him, the reforms saved Nigeria over $10 billion in 2023, boosted reserves to $38.1 billion, and facilitated a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion. He also cited a drop in the country’s inflation rate from 24.23% to 23.71% by April 2025, with food inflation moderating to 21.26%.
“These reforms were never expected to be painless,” he argued. “But dismissing them as ‘unforced errors’ is dishonest. The alternative was a continued slide into unsustainable debt and economic chaos.”
He further noted that over 5.7 million households now benefit from the government’s cash transfer programme, with more than 900,000 people accessing presidential grants and loans. Additional interventions included a revised N70,000 minimum wage, the revival of over 1,000 Primary Health Centres nationwide, and increased NYSC stipends.
On Cost of Governance and Oronsaye Report
Reacting to claims that the Tinubu government had failed to cut governance costs, Dare clarified that while full implementation of the Oronsaye Report was pending, measures were already being taken to promote fiscal discipline. He cited a reduction in the fiscal deficit from 5.4% to 3.0% of GDP and a significant fall in the debt service-to-revenue ratio.
“These steps demonstrate a commitment to prudent governance, even as efforts continue to tackle optics and reduce administrative waste,” Dare said.
Corruption Allegations: We’re Taking Action
The presidential aide also dismissed allegations of prebendalism, citing the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, as a clear indication of the President’s resolve against corruption.
Dare disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded 4,111 convictions and recovered over N364 billion in 2024 alone, in addition to substantial foreign currency recoveries and the final forfeiture of an Abuja housing estate with 725 units.
Democracy Intact, Judiciary Independent
Refuting claims of democratic erosion, Dare pointed to the Supreme Court’s rulings upholding opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia as proof of judicial independence.
He further described allegations of INEC partisanship and suppression of protests as “tired propaganda” lacking in substance.
“The claim of creeping dictatorship is a lazy narrative recycled by critics who ignore the institutional checks that are fully operational,” he noted.
Security and Social Investments
On insecurity, Dare claimed that over 13,500 criminals were neutralised in the last year, with 7,000 arrested — efforts which, he said, had encouraged many farmers to return to their land.
He added that the administration has committed N75 billion in palliative support to states and local governments, is training over 150,000 youths in tech under the 3MTT scheme, and has begun constructing 20,000 affordable housing units.
Also highlighted were regional development commissions established across all six geopolitical zones to foster inclusive growth.
2027 and Beyond: Let’s Focus on the Facts
On the political front, Dare dismissed insinuations that the government was instigating crises within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He referenced international credit upgrades, including Fitch’s and Moody’s improved ratings for Nigeria, to argue that the reforms are already yielding global recognition.
“In two years, this administration has stabilised the naira, brought down inflation, improved fiscal health, and restored investor confidence. The job is not done, but Nigeria is turning the corner,” he said.
Conclusion
Dare urged critics to offer constructive input rather than “leaning into disinformation,” noting that the administration remains committed to transparency, good governance, and inclusive development.
“The cup is not half-empty. It is half-full,” he said. “Nigeria’s comeback story under President Tinubu is real and visible.”
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