Afenifere faction’s criticisms ‘Not Grounded in Facts’ – Presidency hit back

June 04, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Presidency has refuted criticisms by a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration policies have resulted in economic hardship, democratic decline, and social regression.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the group’s assessment as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and “not grounded in facts”.

The Presidency argues that the administration has made notable progress in stabilizing the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and implementing far-reaching reforms under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Dare, the removal of fuel subsidy saved the government over $10 billion in 2023, while exchange rate unification boosted foreign reserves and helped Nigeria record an N18.86 trillion trade surplus.

The administration’s achievements include several social interventions such as a cash transfer program reaching 5.7 million households, NELFUND student loans, and a raised NYSC allowance from N33,000 to N77,000. Other highlighted achievements include the disbursement of palliatives to states, rollout of CNG buses, revitalization of over 1,000 primary health centers, and training of 150,000 youths under the 3 Million Technical Talent program.

The Presidency also emphasized its impressive security record, with over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents neutralized and 7,000 arrested in the past year.

The administration has established Development Commissions across six geopolitical zones to empower communities and accelerate development.

The Presidency concluded by calling for collective responsibility in nation-building and appealing to political actors to work with the administration to fight disinformation, stabilize the economy, and deliver lasting change.

“Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway,” the statement reads