The Nigerian Presidency on Tuesday rejected criticisms from a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which alleged that the current administration’s policies have led to economic hardship, democratic setbacks, and social decline.
In a statement, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, described the group’s assessment as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and “not grounded in facts.” The statement was titled ‘Response To Afenifere Faction’s Deceitful Statement On President Bola Tinubu’s Mid-term’.
Dare asserted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has made significant strides in stabilizing the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and implementing comprehensive reforms under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Read more: PIA Invests in Growth: FHC Médica and NutriSource Inaugurated
“A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems,” Dare stated.
The Presidency’s response follows a widely circulated statement by the Afenifere faction, which accused the Tinubu administration of worsening human development indicators, mismanaging the economy, and eroding democratic freedoms.
The group had characterized the President’s key reforms—such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—as “unforced errors” that have exacerbated poverty and unrest.
However, in defense of President Tinubu, Dare argued that these policies were essential to halt the drain on public finances and build a sustainable future.
He stated that the removal of the fuel subsidy saved the government over $10 billion in 2023, while the unification of exchange rates boosted foreign reserves and helped Nigeria achieve a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion.
