Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, has urged President Bola Tinubu to resign, blaming his administration for escalating insecurity and deepening economic hardship across Nigeria.
The former Osun State governor made the call on Tuesday while addressing delegates at the ADC National Convention in Abuja. He described the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as misleading and disconnected from reality.
Aregbesola also criticised recent political developments, questioning the credibility of some actors in the political space. He argued that individuals who once contributed to internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party are now being wrongly portrayed as political strategists. He insisted that criminal behaviour should never be rebranded as strategy.
He maintained that the African Democratic Congress remains independent and owes its existence to the Nigerian people, not to any individual or institution. He further accused the electoral body of compromising its neutrality by aligning with partisan interests.
According to him, the ADC is driven by the values and aspirations of Nigerians who are frustrated with what he described as persistent mismanagement and deception. He stressed that the party’s foundation rests on constitutional rights, including freedom of association and political participation.
Aregbesola said the ADC is committed to rescuing the country from what he called the suffocating grip of the ruling All Progressives Congress. He accused the party of promoting an electoral system riddled with irregularities and normalising misconduct in the political process.
On the economy, he dismissed claims of progress, arguing that the naira has significantly weakened since the current administration took office. He noted that the exchange rate has moved from around ₦700 to about ₦1,400 per dollar in the open market, describing the situation as devastating for an import-dependent economy. He also highlighted the sharp rise in fuel prices, which have surged from below ₦250 per litre to around ₦1,400 in many parts of the country.
He further lamented the rising cost of living, stating that transportation expenses have become unbearable for many workers, making daily commutes increasingly difficult.
Turning to the power sector, Aregbesola criticised the government for failing to meet its promises. He said electricity supply has worsened, with some areas receiving only a few hours of power daily, while others experience prolonged blackouts lasting weeks or months.
He argued that any administration that fails to deliver on such critical promises should take responsibility. According to him, rather than admit failure, the current leadership appears determined to retain power at all costs, even if it threatens democratic stability.
Aregbesola questioned the continued use of the “Renewed Hope” slogan, noting that Nigerians are still waiting to see tangible results nearly three years into the administration. He described the agenda as a recurring promise without delivery.
He also raised concerns over insecurity, pointing to continued violent attacks and loss of lives across the country. He accused the government of lacking empathy and failing to respond effectively to national crises.
On education and poverty, he said the number of out-of-school children has increased to nearly 20 million, while more Nigerians have fallen into extreme poverty under the current administration.
Aregbesola warned that the country is heading in the wrong direction and called for urgent action. He urged citizens to support the ADC’s mission, stressing that neutrality in such a moment amounts to complicity.
