Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, 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 ₦364 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.
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. 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. He also denied allegations that the government was behind the conflicts within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
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.
