Old Aregbesola Post Praising Tinubu Resurfaces Amid Fresh Criticism

An old social media post by Rauf Aregbesola praising President Bola Tinubu has resurfaced online, drawing widespread attention following his recent criticism of the current administration.

The 2017 post, now circulating on X, showed Aregbesola commending Tinubu’s leadership and acknowledging his influence on his political journey. In the post, he credited Tinubu’s guidance and the opportunity to serve in Lagos State as instrumental in shaping his career.

The resurfaced comment has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many users contrasting it against Aregbesola’s recent remarks at the convention of the African Democratic Congress, where he strongly criticised the government.

Speaking at the event, Aregbesola questioned the effectiveness of the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, describing it in harsh terms and urging Nigerians to challenge its continuation. His remarks marked a significant shift from his earlier public stance, highlighting the deepening political divide between the former allies.

Aregbesola, who currently serves as the national secretary of the ADC, was once a close associate of Tinubu. He held key roles during Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, including serving as commissioner for works and infrastructure, and remained influential in the state’s political structure for years.

However, their relationship later deteriorated due to political disagreements, particularly in Osun State over succession plans leading up to the 2022 governorship election. The fallout intensified after the defeat of former governor Gboyega Oyetola to Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In recent developments, Aregbesola has aligned with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as part of broader efforts to challenge the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resurfacing of his past remarks has added a new dimension to ongoing political debates, with observers pointing to the evolving nature of alliances and rhetoric in Nigeria’s political landscape.