The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has strongly rebuked criticism from Rauf Aregbesola, describing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition of “desperate politicians” lacking a clear national agenda.

The response follows remarks by Aregbesola, the ADC National Secretary, who had earlier criticized the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, calling it a “classic scam.”

Reacting via his X account, Onanuga dismissed the claim, stating, “No, Rauf. The real scammers are the politicians inside the SPV called ADC.”

He accused Aregbesola of echoing opposition narratives and misrepresenting the government’s performance. According to Onanuga, Aregbesola had also called on President Tinubu—his former mentor—to resign, while amplifying what he described as distorted accounts of the economy and security situation.

Onanuga further criticized Aregbesola’s record in public office, alleging that his eight-year tenure as governor of Osun State was marked by economic hardship, including unpaid salaries and difficulties for pensioners.

He also took aim at Aregbesola’s time as minister of interior, claiming that passport processing became problematic and citing security lapses such as prison breaks, including the Kuje correctional facility incident.

“It is ironic for someone who failed so woefully to secure our correctional centers to now lecture others on insecurity,” Onanuga said.

Defending the current administration, Onanuga maintained that while policy reforms have brought challenges, the government has introduced relief measures such as cash transfers and support for small businesses. He added that economic indicators were improving, pointing to growth in GDP, stronger foreign reserves, and a rising stock market as signs of increasing investor confidence.

He concluded by insisting that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda “is not a scam.”