ABUJA, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — A major Nigerian political clash erupted on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Furthermore, a top adviser to President Bola Tinubu fiercely criticized a former cabinet member. Okay News reports that this dispute highlights growing tensions within the West African nation.
Specifically, Bayo Onanuga serves as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President. He responded angrily to comments made by Rauf Aregbesola. Previously, Aregbesola worked as the Minister of Interior for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Aregbesola currently acts as the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress [ADC]. He spoke during the eighth national convention of the political party. This gathering took place in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
The Roots of This Nigerian Political Clash
During the event, the former minister delivered a scathing assessment of the current administration. Consequently, he attacked the ruling All Progressives Congress [APC]. He stated, “The ruling party never had a vision; its Renewed Hope agenda was a scam!”
Additionally, Aregbesola outlined the political strategy of his new group. The ADC was “on a rescue mission to pry the country from the strangulating grasp of the ruling party.” Furthermore, he accused the government of legalizing forgery.
Subsequently, the politician criticized the rapid decline of the local currency, the naira. He noted the value fell from ₦700 (about $0.50) to ₦1,400 (about $1.00). Therefore, he declared this drop highly destructive for an import-heavy economy.
He challenged the financial competence of the current national leadership. He insisted, “The government’s claim that the recent reduction in the exchange rate shows its mastery of economics is false.” Indeed, he highlighted skyrocketing fuel costs next.
Rising Costs Fuel the Nigerian Political Clash
Aregbesola detailed the severe transportation challenges facing ordinary citizens daily. Specifically, he observed petrol prices jumped from ₦185 (about $0.13) to ₦1,400 (about $1.00). Consequently, many workers find daily commuting impossible.
Similarly, he condemned the deteriorating electricity network across the nation. He claimed some regions only receive two hours of power daily. Meanwhile, he noted others remained “in darkness for weeks and months at a stretch.”
Ultimately, the former official demanded that the president resign immediately. He accused the leader of desperately clinging to political power. Clearly, this strong accusation intensified the ongoing Nigerian political clash.
Government Officials Respond to the Nigerian Political Clash
However, the presidential aide quickly published a fierce rebuttal online. He utilized X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Specifically, Onanuga posted his detailed response at 10:00 AM West Africa Time (WAT, GMT+1).
Furthermore, Onanuga challenged his rival’s moral authority to criticize others. He stated the former governor brought “unmitigated hardship” to Osun State in southwestern Nigeria. During that era, many civil servants suffered without regular salaries.
Additionally, the adviser highlighted the tragic fate of retired workers. He wrote, “It was worse for pensioners in Aregbesola’s Osun State.” He added, “Many pensioners who relied on their meagre monthly payments died because they were not paid at all.”
Subsequently, Onanuga praised the immediate past governor, Adegboyega Oyetola. He claimed Oyetola worked tirelessly to fix the regional economy. Meanwhile, current Governor Ademola Adeleke still manages the lingering consequences today.
Security Failures Worsen the Nigerian Political Clash
Next, the spokesman criticized Aregbesola’s tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He reminded the public about severe national security failures. Consequently, he noted obtaining a Nigerian passport became incredibly difficult.
Moreover, the adviser mentioned multiple catastrophic prison escapes during that period. He referenced the infamous 2022 Kuje Prison attack in Abuja. Therefore, he questioned the former minister’s right to discuss security matters.
Onanuga mocked the sudden criticism coming from the opposition party. He wrote, “Maybe he thinks the entire Nigerian population suffers from amnesia.” Clearly, the administration refuses to accept blame from past leaders.
Economic Defenses in the Nigerian Political Clash
Conversely, the presidential aide defended current economic policy reforms. He reported a national minimum wage increase exceeding 100 percent. Additionally, he claimed inflation dropped from over 25 percent to below 15 percent.
Nevertheless, the government acknowledged the painful side effects of these changes. He noted, “However, over the last three years, the government has introduced numerous relief measures to mitigate these effects.”
Finally, the adviser concluded his statement with a direct insult. He declared, “No, Rauf, the Renewed Hope Agenda is not a scam.” Furthermore, he wrote, “The real scammers are the politicians gathered inside the SPV called ADC.”
Ultimately, this Nigerian political clash reveals deep divisions among national leaders. Citizens continue watching as these powerful figures argue publicly. Therefore, the future impact on local governance remains entirely uncertain.
