Former Minister of Interior and the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as “false hope, worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country”.
Aregbesola made the call while addressing delegates at the party’s national convention on Tuesday in Abuja, where he delivered a scathing critique of the administration, describing its “Renewed Hope Agenda” as a “scam.”
“Four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future. Now, three years into its tenure, it is still promising hope. When exactly will this hope materialise? The answer is simple, it is a scam,” he stated.
The former Osun State Governor accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanaging the economy and failing to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
He argued that key economic indicators have worsened significantly since the administration assumed office in 2023.
According to him, the naira has depreciated sharply from about N700 to the dollar at the parallel market to over N1,400, a development he said has had devastating consequences for an import-dependent economy.
He also cited the rise in fuel prices from between N185 and N238 per litre before the current administration to about N1,400 as evidence of economic decline.
“This is terribly devastating. Transportation costs have skyrocketed to the point where many workers can no longer afford to commute to their places of work,” he said.
Aregbesola further criticised the government’s handling of the power sector, noting that electricity supply has deteriorated despite earlier assurances by the administration.
“The government promised that if it failed to deliver stable power, it should not be re-elected. Today, power supply is worse, with some areas receiving just two hours daily, while others remain in darkness for weeks,” he added.
On security, the ADC chieftain condemned the spate of violent attacks across the country, describing them as a clear indication of governance failure.
He accused the administration of lacking empathy in responding to national tragedies.
He also raised concerns about the rising number of out-of-school children and increasing poverty levels, warning that the country is “drifting into hopelessness.”
Aregbesola urged Nigerians to support the ADC’s “rescue mission,” calling for collective action to prevent what he described as continued decline.
“We have a duty to stop scammers from retaining power. Nigeria is worth the necessary sacrifices,” he said.
The convention, attended by about 3000 delegates ratified the National Working Committee led by David Mark. It further adopted the revised constitution and manifesto of the party.
