Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has accused ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai of political double standards.
He faulted El-Rufai for backing Tinubu’s removal despite previously insisting four years is insufficient for reforms.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has accused former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai of duplicity, claiming he is acting with “double standards” in Nigeria’s political arena. Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, faulted El-Rufai for allegedly supporting efforts to unseat the president despite previously admitting that a single four-year term is insufficient for any officeholder to achieve lasting reforms.
He argued that El-Rufai and other politicians advocating Tinubu’s removal are not driven by genuine concern for the country but by dissatisfaction over their diminished influence in the current administration.
The presidential aide stressed that the Tinubu government has achieved notable results in under two years, pointing to economic reforms and structural changes as evidence of progress.
“El-Rufai himself acknowledged that four years is not enough for any leader to bring about meaningful change. Yet today, he is among those scheming to oust Tinubu just halfway into his mandate. That is the height of contradiction,” Onanuga declared.
He contrasted Tinubu’s achievements with what he described as unimpressive performances of past governors in states such as Anambra, Rivers, and Kaduna, arguing that the current administration has placed Nigeria firmly on a path to economic growth.
Onanuga outlined several indicators which, according to him, underscore Tinubu’s impact: The Nigerian Stock Exchange has surged, with the All Share Index moving from 53,000 points to above 140,000, wealth creation on the stock market has exceeded ₦26 trillion in the past two years, exchange rate harmonization has been implemented to stabilize the naira, inflation has eased for four consecutive months, balance of payments recorded surpluses, reflecting stronger trade performance.
Onanuga also highlighted improvements in social interventions, citing the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which extends credit to financially disadvantaged students, and cash support programs for vulnerable citizens through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Boost in National Revenue and State Allocations According to him, Tinubu’s policies have significantly expanded federal revenue, enabling states and local councils to receive higher allocations than before.
“Our national earnings have grown impressively and will set new records this year and next when the tax reforms take effect. States and local governments are receiving more funds from the federal purse, empowering them to embark on capital projects and create additional jobs. Many governors admit they have never had it this good,” Onanuga noted.
He dismissed critics seeking Tinubu’s removal as opportunists trying to regain lost relevance, branding them as “power-hungry” and disconnected from the nation’s interests.
