“Renewed Hope is a scam” – Aregbesola

Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam, calling on the President to resign over worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

Aregbesola made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing delegates at the ADC National Convention in Abuja, where he delivered a strongly worded criticism of the current administration.

“Distinguished delegates and our rival leaders, four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future. Now, three years into its four-year term, it still holds promise and offers renewed hope. When exactly will this hope come into fruition? The answer is simple. It is a scam. The answer is what? A scam!” he said.

He accused the government of failing in key sectors, including power supply, the economy, and general welfare, arguing that conditions have worsened under the present administration.

“The administration told Nigerians that if it does not solve the power problem… they should not be voted for a second time. Today, power supply is far worse… some parts of the country receiving an average of two hours daily… and some have been in darkness for weeks and months,” he said.

Aregbesola also said the government has failed economically, citing exchange rate depreciation, rising fuel prices, and worsening living standards.

“The exchange rate… was about 700 naira to the dollar… now it is about N1,400. This amounts to a 1,400 per cent devaluation in an import-dependent economy,” he said. “The cost of a litre of fuel… was between 185 and 238 naira… now it is about 1,400 per litre and still rising.”

He added that rising transport costs and inflation have deepened hardship for ordinary Nigerians, making daily survival increasingly difficult.

On insecurity, Aregbesola accused the administration of failing to protect citizens, saying the situation reflects a broader governance failure and lack of empathy.

He also raised concerns over the education sector, alleging that the number of out-of-school children has increased, while poverty levels have worsened nationwide.

Positioning the ADC as an alternative political force, Aregbesola said the party is on a “rescue mission” to reposition Nigeria and restore public trust in governance.

“We are here because the ADC is on a rescue mission to reclaim the country from the strangulating grasp of the ruling party,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to join the party’s movement, insisting that the country is drifting and needs urgent political redirection ahead of future elections.