The Presidency, on Tuesday, dismissed recent criticisms by the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had failed Nigerians over the past two years.
Afenifere accused the administration of presiding over economic mismanagement, democratic setbacks, and a decline in human development indicators. In response, the Presidency labeled the group’s assessment as biased and reflective of partisan interests, particularly noting its support for an opposition candidate during the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, the Presidency argued that the group’s remarks failed to acknowledge the gains made under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The statement from a factional Afenifere raises concerns about a deliberate pattern of misrepresentation and political bias,” Dare said. “Nigeria’s recovery under President Tinubu is well underway, and claims to the contrary ignore both progress and reality.”
He further described Afenifere’s assertions as a repetition of opposition rhetoric, lacking objectivity and factual basis. Dare pointed out that economic reforms implemented by the administration—including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market—have resulted in significant fiscal and macroeconomic benefits.
According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy alone saved the government over $10 billion in 2023, enabling reallocation of funds to priority sectors. Likewise, the floatation of the naira has helped stabilize the foreign exchange market, contributing to a rise in foreign reserves to $38.1 billion and delivering a trade surplus of ₦18.86 trillion.
Dare concluded by challenging critics to propose viable alternatives, stating that the administration’s reform efforts have already begun to yield tangible benefits for Nigerians.
