- Safiu Kehinde
The Presidency has replied the factional Afenifere group over its criticism of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
NPO Reported that the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation had on Sunday faulted Tinubu’s administration, stressing that his two years reign has worsened Nigeria’s economy, deforming it rather than reforming it.
The factional group in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, analysed shortfalls across key sectors of the country, ranging from the economy to security.
Reacting to the claims, the Presidency in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, held that the factional Afenifere group’s claims is a deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity.
Dare described the group’s criticism of Tinubu’s administration as a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.
As against the review of the administration’s activities by the factional Afenifere group, the Presidency maintained that a balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture.
Dare, in a point-by-point clarification, responded to the group’s allegations which claimed was neither grounded in facts nor logic.
On the economic reforms and their impact, the factional Afenifere had claimed that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms”.
Dare held that the group overlooked the macroeconomic gains of the reforms which he highlighted.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors.
“Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.
“Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%
“While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost.
“The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.
“However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances.
“A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.
“As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs.
“The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.
“The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors.
“Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.” Dare stated while asking the leaders of the factional group of alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements.
Reacting to the alleged refusal of the administration to adopt the Oronsaye Report and ensure cut in cost of governance, the Presidency held that the claim is inaccurate.
While admitting that the Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms, Dare noted that the administration had however made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline.
“The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024.
“The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies.
“These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.” He wrote.
The Presidential spokesperson also talked down the alleged favouritism and corruption in the administration.
Dare disclosed the administration’s effort in tackling corruption which include the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, as well as the remarkable 4,111 convictions recorded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.
“The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability.
“Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.
“Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception.
“They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.
“The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.” He wrote.
The Presidency further debunked the allegation of its pursuit of a one-party system by planting discord within opposition party.
It also responded to the Afenifere’s call for state policing which it claimed to be complex than perceived.
“Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.
“The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.
“The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.
“The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.” The statement read.
On security and social welfare, the Presidency highlighted the accomplishment of Tinubu’s administration in the sector.
“Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks.
“The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.
‘The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.
“The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.” The statement read.
On the upcoming 2027 Presidential election, Dare reiterated that the claims of the administration’s involvement in the opposition parties’ crisis is unfounded and should be ignored as it lacked concrete evidence.
The Presidency maintained that the economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence.
It also backed up its claim with Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook.
This, according to the statement, indicated that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.
While acknowledging the discontent and difficult times among Nigerians, the Presidency held that there is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.