President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revived the “Half Salary” nickname associated with former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Tinubu made the remark on Thursday, August 20, 2026, while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The President brought up the nickname while criticising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidies if elected president in 2027.
“I saw one of my opponents, Atiku Abubakar, now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it,” Tinubu said.
“That is a demonstration of a serious ignorance of governance and the economy. Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners and workers’ salaries.
“In your state, I know a man that I raised who is nicknamed ‘Half Salary,’” the President said.
Aregbesola, a former close ally of Tinubu and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), became associated with the “Half Salary” nickname during his tenure as Osun governor after the state government experienced difficulties paying full salaries to civil servants.
Tinubu’s latest remark has brought the nickname back into public discussion as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
