Sunday Dare: Nigeria’s comeback story underway | Afenifere’s claim of poor performance unfounded

Sunday Dare, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on media and public communications, has dismissed allegations by a faction of Afenifere, describing them as “unfounded”.

The group had accused Tinubu’s administration of inflicting hunger and poverty on the country, making false claims of successes, and engaging in nepotism and corruption– claims which Dare firmly rejected.

The Afenifere faction claimed that the administration favoured “the privileged and connected” through corrupt practices in palliative distribution and mega-project allocations.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the president’s aide said the allegations are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the administration’s efforts to combat corruption and ensure fair governance.

He said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported significant progress in the fight against corruption, securing 4,111 convictions in 2024 and recovering over N364 billion.

“Without abusing presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices,” the statement reads.

He said the EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, referring to the forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 725 duplexes and other apartments.

The former minister added that the suspension of Betta Edu as the minister of humanitarian affairs in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion further demonstrates the administration’s stance on corruption.

On economic reforms, Dare said the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira have saved over $10 billion in 2023, increased foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024, and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion.

He said the inflation has decreased to 23.71 percent in April this year, indicating economic stabilisation, adding that over 5.7 million households have benefited from the federal government’s cash transfer programmes.

The president’s spokesperson said Nigeria’s fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 to 3.0 percent in 2024, noting that the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100 percent in 2022 to under 40 percent by 2024.

He said the country’s revenue increased to over N6 trillion in Q1 2025, adding that efforts to implement the Oronsaye report and reduce governance costs are ongoing.

Dare added that Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit.

“The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm,” he said.

“The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.”

On security, the president’s spokesperson said over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year.

“The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply,” he added.

“The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.”

He also denied allegations that the government was behind the conflicts within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘TINUBU HAS ACHIEVED FISCAL IMPROVEMENTS’

According to Dare, the administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which he noted “will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency”.

He said the administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

“Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos,” he added.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results.

“With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.”