ADC Convention: Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a Scam, Says Aregbesola

ADC Convention: Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a Scam, Says Aregbesola

National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a deception.

Aregbesola spoke in Abuja at the party’s national convention, where he accused the Federal Government of failing to deliver on key promises nearly three years after assuming office.

According to him, the continued reference to the “Renewed Hope” mantra without tangible outcomes raises serious concerns about the administration’s credibility.

“Four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope. Now, three years into its tenure, it is still promising renewed hope. When exactly will this hope come into fruition? The answer is simple: it is a scam,” he said.

He warned that the situation could persist if Nigerians do not take decisive political action.

“If allowed, this regime will continue to chant renewed hope endlessly. We have a duty to stop these scammers from retaining power,” he added.

The former Osun governor pointed to worsening socio-economic indicators as evidence of what he described as governance failure, citing rising poverty levels and an increase in the number of out-of-school children across the country.

He claimed that the population of out-of-school children has climbed to about 20 million, while millions more Nigerians are now trapped in multidimensional poverty.

Aregbesola also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, saying the spread of banditry and terrorism has worsened in recent years.

“This has been the worst time in terms of security in the nation, with banditry and terrorism spreading across the country,” he said.

He further expressed concern over what he termed a lack of empathy by the presidency in responding to national tragedies, referencing the 2025 Yelwata killings in Benue State.

The ADC chieftain warned against what he described as a growing risk of “kakistocracy,” a system where the least qualified individuals hold power.

“We cannot allow kakistocracy in Nigeria,” he said, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable to their campaign promises, particularly in critical sectors such as electricity.

On internal party matters, Aregbesola defended the leadership of former Senate President **David Mark** as the party’s national chairman, insisting that due process was followed in his emergence.

He stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was duly notified of the party’s processes and had monitored its National Executive Committee meeting.

“Nobody has the locus standi to challenge the leadership of David Mark. Our last NEC meeting was observed by INEC officials, and the report was formally submitted and acknowledged by the commission,” he said.

Aregbesola, however, accused the electoral body of bias, alleging that its actions suggest undue influence, while also claiming that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is unsettled by the growing influence of the ADC.

“The ADC is now the largest opposition platform with major political actors. It is clear that the APC is jittery,” he added, calling on the international community to take note of what he described as partisan conduct.

The remarks underscore intensifying political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition parties continue to challenge the performance of the current administration.