Tinubu’s Aides Tackle ADC, Reject ‘Final Year’ Narrative

Aides to President Bola Tinubu have pushed back against criticisms by the African Democratic Congress, rejecting claims that the President is in his “final year in office.”

The reaction followed a birthday message by Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the ADC, who criticised the Tinubu administration over fuel price increases, insecurity, economic hardship, and concerns about Nigeria’s democracy.

He also suggested that the President was marking his “final year in office.”

Responding via his X handle, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, dismissed the claim as “wishful thinking,” saying leadership in a democracy is decided by the people, not by political statements.

He argued that Abdullahi’s message relied on sweeping claims rather than balanced critique, stressing that accountability requires context, fairness, and accuracy.

Dada said fuel price increases and security challenges are not isolated issues, noting that subsidy removal was aimed at addressing long-term fiscal strain, while security challenges require sustained responses.

He also rejected claims of a drift toward a one-party state, maintaining that Nigeria’s democracy remains active with diverse voices.

“And that line about ‘as you celebrate your final year in office’ says more about wishful thinking than political reality,” he said.

Also reacting on his X handle, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, O’tega Ogra, accused Abdullahi of “selective amnesia” and attempting to “reinvent history.”

“You speak of hardship as though you discovered it. You speak of insecurity as though it began yesterday. You speak of governance as though you were never inside the room when decisions were made,” Ogra said.

He acknowledged that Nigerians are facing hardship and that fuel prices have risen, but said the situation did not begin with the current administration.

“For years, we subsidised illusion, deferred reality, borrowed comfort, and allowed rent-seekers to take hold of our commonwealth,” he stated.

Ogra said the removal of fuel subsidy was necessary, describing it as a “hard choice” with real consequences.

“We endure to rebuild, not rebuild to endure,” he added.

On security, he said Nigeria’s challenges are multi-layered and cannot be attributed to a single administration, noting ongoing efforts to improve coordination and capacity.

“Is it enough? No. Is it nothing? Also no,” he said.

He also dismissed concerns about shrinking democratic space, arguing that open criticism of the government reflects a functioning democracy.

“A democracy that permits this level of dissent is not shrinking; it is alive—imperfect, noisy, contested, but alive,” Ogra said.

Ogra further stated that critics were overlooking their own roles in past governance, saying: “You criticise a system you once helped shape. You condemn outcomes without acknowledging inputs.”

He described the current situation as a period of “correction” and “transition,” rather than collapse.

“We are not where we want to be. But we are no longer where we were,” he added.