Presidency Uses Dangote's Endorsement Against Critics

The presidency, represented by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy, has utilized Aliko Dangote's endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms to respond to criticisms from opposition politicians Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. On September 14, 2023, Onanuga referenced a video where Dangote credited Tinubu's administration for creating favorable conditions for his oil refinery, thanking the president for removing the subsidy and democratizing the exchange rate.

This endorsement is particularly significant as both Atiku, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, and Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, have been vocal critics of the subsidy removal policy introduced in May 2023, which has resulted in a sharp rise in fuel prices. The presidency's strategy appears aimed at diminishing the opposition's arguments as the 2027 general elections approach.