In a surprising turn of events, Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has resigned from his position, citing medical issues within his immediate family as the reason for his indefinite leave of absence. While the official statement paints this as a personal matter, many insiders and political observers suspect there is more beneath the surface than meets the eye.
A decaying administration: Ngelale’s exit signals cracks in Tinubu’s leadership
Since Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, his administration has been dogged by controversy, particularly regarding communication from the Presidency. As the face of the government’s media strategy, Ngelale has often been thrust into the spotlight, defending policies and decisions that have faced significant public backlash. While Ngelale was initially seen as a confident and competent spokesperson, his resignation has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about whether his departure is more about the dysfunction within the government than any personal issues.
Many are speculating that Ngelale’s exit is a strategic move, distancing himself from an administration that has been criticized for its inefficiency, lack of transparency, and inability to manage critical national issues effectively. His departure could be seen as a subtle protest against the mediocrity that has come to define this administration, a refusal to continue endorsing decisions that fail to meet the needs of Nigerians.
The misinformation machine
Over recent months, the Tinubu administration’s media department, under Ngelale’s watch, has been accused of spreading misinformation and inconsistent narratives. Notable among these were:
1. The inaccurate fuel subsidy communication: After the government removed fuel subsidies, leading to nationwide hardship, Ngelale’s office released confusing and contradictory statements about fuel availability, pricing, and the administration’s plans for cushioning the effects on citizens. These communication blunders created chaos and further eroded trust in the government.
2. False claims about economic recovery: In multiple media addresses, Ngelale’s team asserted that Nigeria’s economy was on a rapid path to recovery, citing manipulated growth statistics that were later debunked by economic experts. The reality on the ground, with rising inflation and a weakened naira, painted a vastly different picture from the official narrative.
3. The phantom achievements on Climate Action: Ngelale was also the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and his office touted progress in Nigeria’s climate change initiatives, including major international partnerships. However, investigative reports found little to no tangible development on these fronts, leaving many to wonder if these achievements existed only in press releases.
These instances of misinformation have been deeply damaging to the credibility of the Tinubu government, and Ngelale’s departure could signal his unwillingness to continue defending such missteps.
Inner circle feuds and power struggles
Beyond the misinformation and public relations challenges, there have also been rumors of growing tension within Tinubu’s inner circle, with Ajuri Ngelale reportedly clashing with other key figures in the administration. Sources close to the Presidency indicate that there has been a significant power struggle over messaging, with some factions within the government pushing narratives that Ngelale found untenable.
His relationship with key members of the administration, particularly those close to the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has reportedly been strained. Insiders suggest that Ngelale was often sidelined in critical decision-making processes, despite his role as the official spokesperson for the President. This lack of cohesion and unity in messaging only added to the disarray within the administration, further alienating Ngelale from the leadership team.
A tactical retreat?
Given these factors, it’s not hard to imagine that Ngelale’s resignation is, in fact, a tactical retreat—a way for him to salvage his reputation before the ship sinks further. While his official statement emphasizes family matters, many believe that this is simply a convenient cover for what is truly a principled exit. Ngelale has long been regarded as a capable and ambitious figure, and it is unlikely that he would bow out quietly from national service without a significant reason.
In his resignation statement, he mentions looking forward to returning to public service when “time, healing, and fate permit.” The implication here could be that Ngelale is leaving the door open for a future in politics, possibly in a capacity far removed from the Tinubu administration.
The bigger picture
Ngelale’s resignation, while framed as a personal decision, could reflect a deeper discontent within the Tinubu government. As one of the most visible faces of the administration, his exit could signal to the public that even insiders are beginning to question the direction the government is heading.
Whether Ngelale will speak more openly about his reasons for stepping down remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his departure has left a noticeable void in the already embattled Tinubu government. As Nigerians continue to grapple with the challenges of daily life, from economic instability to political uncertainty, the resignation of such a high-profile official adds yet another layer of complexity to the nation’s ongoing struggles.
Ngelale may have left the stage, but the questions about the competence and credibility of the Tinubu administration remain.
