The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Lagos okays N140b for social protection

    Lagos okays N140b for social protection

    The Lagos State government has allocated over N140 billion to social protection initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents and ensuring that no Lagosian is left behind in the state’s development agenda.

     The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, disclosed this at the Lagos State Social Protection Partners Forum, describing the investment as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to shared prosperity and inclusive growth.

    “Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised his commitment to positively impacting the lives of Lagosians, with over 20 social-focused MDAs, more than 90 social interventions, and over N140 billion in budgetary allocation,” Mrs. Ojo stated.

     She explained that the financial commitment reflects the administration’s determination to build a coordinated social protection system that caters to vulnerable residents across all local governments and local council development areas.

     According to her, the state has made commendable progress in establishing frameworks to support the poor and vulnerable. “Today marks a significant milestone in our state’s commitment to the principle of shared prosperity,” she said, adding that the government is developing standards and systems for social investment aimed at eradicating poverty.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    Mrs. Ojo noted that the Lagos State Social Protection Policy, approved in 2020, targets improvements in livelihoods, health, education, gender equality, youth empowerment, support for persons living with disabilities, and overall human capital development. The policy is being driven by the Social Protection Coordinating Department, which serves as the secretariat for 22 identified MDAs working through a technical working group.

    She said the state stands out as the only state in Nigeria with a dedicated Social Protection Coordinating Department. “While other states have remained at the residual creation of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Lagos State government has taken it further, investing your taxes and revenue into ensuring that your lives are catered for,” she said.

    She said the government is developing an advanced data management system to map vulnerable populations across the state using geospatial technology combined with community-level engagement. “We intend to create a system that does not just share out the so-called shared prosperity, but identifies where the vulnerable are and ensures inclusion and empowerment, especially for our youth,” she explained.

    She added that in 2025, the state plans to intensify downstream integration of its social register through engagements with Community Development Association chairmen, Community Development Committee coordinators, and market leaders across Lagos.

    “Who will first recognise and identify those who are vulnerable in their community? It takes the community leaders, those who dwell in the same community with the vulnerable people,” Mrs. Ojo said.

    UN Women Country Representative, Beatrice Eyong, emphasised the critical need for gender-responsive social protection systems, noting that fewer than one in ten people are covered by at least one form of social protection.

    Speaking at the forum, Eyong commended the Lagos State Government’s leadership in strengthening social protection systems that place inclusion and dignity at the centre of governance.

    “At the heart of effective social protection is the need for a fairer, more responsive approach that recognises the different realities, beliefs and experiences of women, girls, men and boys,” she stated, describing the forum as a timely platform for collaboration among government, development partners, civil society and the private sector.

    According to her, the country faces significant challenges. “Women are more likely than men to live in poverty, especially in illiterate households, due to limited access to civil, legal, land, trade and social insurance rights. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 70 per cent of working women in Nigeria live in poverty-impacted states, while immigrated households account for 32 per cent,” she said.

    “If you calculate that, it means Nigeria has at least 40 million persons—boys and girls, men and women—living in those households,”Eyong added, warning that without deliberate intervention, poverty would continue to deepen.

    Social Policy Manager, UNICEF, Muhammad Okorie, commended Lagos for its exemplary leadership in implementing comprehensive social protection programmes that prioritise grassroots engagement and long-term human capital development.

    “When you think long-term, you are already thinking about human capital development. You are thinking about how to build the next generation that will drive the economy,” Okorie said, highlighting the link between social protection and economic competitiveness.

    He noted that Lagos stands out among states for its forward-thinking approach. “They are already thinking beyond 2026, projecting into 2027,” he said, adding that the state has demonstrated a truly multi-sectoral commitment to social protection.

    Executive Secretary, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Daranijo, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to financial constraints.

    “Partnering for the good of the community can never go wrong. The government continues to support students and the institutions that serve their communities,” she said, highlighting the board’s collaboration with stakeholders in identifying and supporting deserving students.

    She explained that the scholarship programme works closely with communities to verify family circumstances and ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to education. “We work with communities to verify family situations so that children can still go to school despite financial challenges,” she said.

    The forum also featured the formal presentation of the Lagos State Social Protection Report 2025, titled “Leaving No One Behind: Tracking Social Protection Coverage and Vulnerability.”

  • Elui praises Seyi Tinubu for appointing Obi Cubana to City Boy Movement role

    Elui praises Seyi Tinubu for appointing Obi Cubana to City Boy Movement role

    Nze Uzochukwu Elui, celebrity chef and entrepreneur, has praised Seyi Tinubu for appointing Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, as director of the City Boy Movement in the South-East.

    Elui said the appointment reflects foresight and strategic thinking, noting that it aligns with the aspirations and entrepreneurial drive of the region.

    He said Iyiegbu’s background in business and community engagement positions him to effectively connect with youths across the South-East.

    “This is a masterstroke. Chief Iyiegbu, Chairman, as I call him, understands the language of the people, especially the youths, because he has walked the path of enterprise, resilience and community service,” Elui said.

    Elui said Iyiegbu’s consistent investment in people and communities has earned him credibility and trust across the region.

    According to him, those qualities are essential for the success of the City Boy Movement in the South-East.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    “He is not just a successful businessman; he is a unifier, community leader and more importantly, a brother’s keeper,” he said.

    “I am confident he will deliver on this assignment for Mr President and attract huge benefits for the South-East.”

    Elui urged youths and stakeholders across the region to rally behind Iyiegbu in the collective interest of the South-East.

    “This is the time for our youths and our people to come together, support him and make this platform work for the good of the South-East,” he said.

    Elui commended Tinubu for identifying Iyiegbu for the role.

    “To be candid, Seyi Tinubu deserves commendation for identifying a man with capacity, influence and grassroots acceptance for such a sensitive role,” he said.

    Elui assured of his personal support and that of like-minded stakeholders.

    He said he is optimistic that the City Boy Movement under Iyiegbu’s leadership will promote unity, youth engagement and sustainable development across the South-East.

  • Sokoto APC dismisses ADC threat, predicts landslide victory in 2027

    Sokoto APC dismisses ADC threat, predicts landslide victory in 2027

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a recycled political coalition that lacks the capacity to challenge the ruling party’s dominance in the state.

    The APC said the ADC, regardless of the platform under which it operates, cannot wrest power from the party in the caliphate, insisting that the coalition would suffer a landslide defeat in future elections.

    The state APC Chairman, Isah Sadik Achida, made the remarks on Thursday during an all-inclusive stakeholders’ meeting of party stalwarts and members in Tambuwal Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

    The session was organised by the Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto Youths Contact, Mobilisation and Enlightenment Ambassadors as part of efforts to deepen the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Achida said individuals regrouping under the ADC were well-known political actors who had failed to deliver meaningful results to the people of Sokoto State, describing them as figures who had already exhausted their political relevance.

    He maintained that the APC remains united, resilient and firmly positioned to retain power in the state, adding that no rebranded opposition alliance could undermine its growing support base.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    “We all know them. They failed to deliver after 8 years. 

    “They have nothing new to present but rather than to further destroy the state”, he pointed out.

    Achida added, “I leave the space for Sokoto people to judge with every honesty”, explaining that Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has for the first time in the political history of the state, done beyond what his predecessor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal did even in his home local government.

    “The current APC governor has done a lot to the local government with visionary leadership of its leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko in the provision of infrastructure and other basic facilities for the benefit of the people.

    “He gave them the required priority in terms of appointments and governance”, he said urging members and all stakeholders to be steadfast and more united to fly the party’s flag for victory”, noting that the party knew how best to manage and keep it house attractive and resilient.

    A party stalwart and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Aminu Dikko Tambuwal, who also spoke on behalf of Alhaji Umaru Nagwari Tambuwal, said Tambuwal town has benefited significantly across nearly all sectors since the inception of the current APC administration.

    He commended the party’s youth and women wings for their dedication, describing their commitment to unity, brotherhood and perseverance as critical to the APC’s success in the area.

    Tambuwal also highlighted the inclusive leadership style of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, whom he described as a unifying force and a key political pillar whose strategic leadership produced a resilient governor in Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, credited with repositioning Sokoto State.

    “We are proud of the quality of governance in Sokoto State today. The people of Tambuwal Local Government have every reason to appreciate the governor for identifying with us in several areas of development and governance. This marks a clear departure from what we experienced under someone we regarded as our own, who completed his tenure without tangible impact,” he said.

    He cited several empowerment and development initiatives that, according to him, have enabled many residents to become self-reliant through various trades.

    Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to gain momentum across the caliphate, with its action plans being rapidly implemented at the grassroots. 

    Local government coordinators, also known as ambassadors, were said to be driving the initiative’s expansion, particularly following the mass defection of opposition Peoples Democratic Party leaders and members from wards across Tambuwal Local Government Area to the ruling APC.

  • I’m Oloja-elect of Lagos, says Prince Olojo-Kosoko

    I’m Oloja-elect of Lagos, says Prince Olojo-Kosoko

    Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko has declared himself as the duly selected Oloja-elect of Lagos, insisting his emergence followed due process as stipulated under the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law.

    Speaking in an interview with reporters, Prince Olojo-Kosoko traced his emergence to the succession process within the Kosoko Royal Family, explaining that the Oloja of Lagos chieftaincy is regulated by law and recognised ruling houses.

    According to him, the law acknowledges nine ruling houses within the Kosoko Royal Family, with the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House—his lineage—next in line to produce the Oloja.

    “To the best of my knowledge and that of the King Kosoko Royal Family, there is only one Oloja-elect, and that is my humble self,” he said, adding that his nomination and ratification were carried out in line with established customary and legal procedures.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    Prince Olojo-Kosoko said following the death of the last Oloja of Lagos, Chief Adebola Idris Disu Ige, in 2017, the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House was formally notified to present candidates. After an internal screening involving seven kingmakers, he emerged as the preferred candidate and was subsequently presented to the wider Oloja-in-Council for ratification.

    He said a rerun of the process was conducted to accommodate aggrieved family members, under the supervision of the family’s legal adviser. At the end of the exercise, he said all nine kingmakers unanimously endorsed him on December 12, 2020. He was formally presented to the entire Kosoko Royal Family at the Ereko Palace on December 31, 2020, and later received a letter of approval from the Olori-Ebi of the family in January 2021.

    Prince Olojo-Kosoko, however, faulted the claim by Prince Jide Kosoko to the Oloja-elect title, describing it as a “self-acclaimed” process allegedly initiated outside the recognised order of succession.

    He said the Oteniya Ruling House, from which Prince Jide Kosoko hailed, was not next in line according to the registered declaration.

    The dispute over the stool is before the court, with Prince Olojo-Kosoko saying the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House opted for legal redress to protect tradition and prevent what he described as divisive actions within the family.

    Beyond the chieftaincy dispute, Prince Olojo-Kosoko highlighted his long-standing commitment to culture, heritage preservation, tourism and environmental conservation.

    A Higher National Diploma holder in Wildlife Planning and Tourism Master Plan Designing from Lagos State Polytechnic, he serves as Chief Conservationist and curator of Origin Gardens and Zoo, and is the founder of the Museum for Climate Change.

    He also spoke on initiatives he has undertaken since his emergence as Oloja-elect, including the rehabilitation of the historic Ereko Palace, rebranding of the King Kosoko Royal Family, and the establishment of the King Kosoko Memorial Museum and annual memorial lecture.

    According to him, the projects are part of a broader vision to institutionalise the legacy of King Kosoko, educate younger generations, and reposition the family’s historical contributions within Lagos, Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.

    “Adopting the King Kosoko name for most of the work I have embarked on since 2020 is an act of homage to our ancestors,” he said, adding that preserving heritage and strengthening family unity remain central to his aspirations as Oloja-elect of Lagos.

  • Cleric for burial Saturday

    Cleric for burial Saturday

    The family of the late Primate of Living Christ Gospel Church (LCGC) Nigeria and Overseas, Nathaniel Olorunsola, popularly called “Baba Natha”, has announced his funeral programme.

    His eldest son and General Overseer of the church, Most Rev. (Dr) Otis Olorunsola Nathaniel, who announced the programme, said the late cleric, who died on October 16 last year would be buried tomorrow.

    Nathaniel said a special prayer was held at all Living Christ Gospel churches in Nigeria and overseas at noon on February 1, followed by a candlelight procession across all parishes on February 2 at 6pm.

    According to the programme, a service of songs took place in all branches of the church on February 3 at 4:30pm, while another service of songs involving Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti Council of Elders and Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) was held on February 4 at the Living Christ Cathedral, Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti, at 4pm.

    He said a night of tributes was held on February 5 at the Living Christ Gospel Church, Apata Natha, Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti, adding that the activities would continue today with a lying-in-state at the cleric’s Ado home and a Christian wake at his Ayede-Ekiti residence.

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    The final burial service is slated for tomorrow at the Living Christ Gospel Church Camp Ground, Ayede-Ekiti, at 10am, to be followed by interment at a mausoleum within the camp and a reception.

    Olorunsola born to the family of Mr. David Dada and Princess Beatrice Oyinlola Olorunsola in the 1950s. He hailed from Ikole-Ekiti, but became closely associated with Ayede-Ekiti in present-day Ekiti State.

    He attended primary schools in Ayede-Ekiti and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1969 before learning tailoring in Ado-Ekiti, where he later briefly worked at the defunct Ado-Ekiti Textile Mill.

    He reportedly yielded to a prophetic call to ministry in the 1970s and eventually founded the Living Christ Gospel Church Nigeria and Overseas, establishing several parishes with headquarters at the cathedral in Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti.

    During his life, he was a member of ecumenical bodies, including CAN, OAIC, Ekiti State Elders Forum and Ekiti Elders at the Gate, and served as a permanent Board of Trustees member of OAIC Nigeria Region.

    The cleric, who died on October 16, 2025, is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren and numerous spiritual followers.

  • Alumni cries out over decline in education

    Alumni cries out over decline in education

    Ekiti Baptist High School Old Students Association, Igede-Ekiti, has expressed concern about decline in the quality of education in the country.

    The President of the association, Ifelola Oyebade, raised the concern while addressing reporters at a news conference to herald activities marking the school’s 70th anniversary, with the themed: “70 years of excellence: Honouring the past and nurturing the future.”

    He said examination malpractice and poor oversight were eroding learning outcomes across the country, stressing that the culture of hard work that once characterised secondary schools had disappeared.

    Oyebade said the trend had been replaced by a system in which many students no longer engaged in intensive reading, lacked basic textbooks and notes, and depended on teachers to supply answers during examinations.

    The alumni president added that the growing reliance on objective-based examinations without adequate supervision had further weakened standards, making it easier for students to guess answers without proper understanding of subjects.

    He noted the financial burden on government, saying ‘’state authorities now shoulder responsibilities previously handled by parents, including tuition and student welfare. He called for increased prioritisation of education in national budgeting.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    Oyebade said: “Many students no longer study because they already know that answers will be written on the board for them during examinations.

    “Some teachers are promoted based on pass rates, not on genuine learning, and this has created pressure to inflate results at all costs.

    “This trend is damaging the education of this country. Unless we are ready to change, it will continue to drag us backward as a nation.

    “Education is too important to be underfunded. If the government increases investment in schools, the benefits will reflect not only in student performance, but also in national development.

    “Education is the foundation of any nation. If we fail to fix it now, we risk losing an entire generation.”

    He, however, said the alumni had initiated interventions aimed at restoring excellence at Ekiti Baptist High School, including renovation of classrooms, roofing, windows and landscaping, among others, to complement government efforts.

    He disclosed that the association had established N1billion endowment fund to provide sustainable finance for the school’s long-term operations, noting that the fund, launched about a year ago, had already generated over N100million.

  • Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos financial hub blueprint

    Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos financial hub blueprint

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC).

    He urged stakeholders across public and private sectors to sustain collaboration toward positioning Lagos as a global financial hub.

    Speaking at the unveiling of LIFC Phase 1 report held at Lagos State House, Marina, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the Lagos LIFCC, described the initiative as a strategic economic reform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness and position Lagos as a leading international financial hub.

    The governor said the project, conceived about two years ago, was designed to attract international capital, deepen financial markets and create sustainable economic opportunities for the country.

    He said the initiative was anchored on long-term vision and strong institutional backing, noting that its success would depend on sustained stakeholder support and policy continuity.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “For me, it is all about leadership and confidence. If you can dream it and envision it, then you can achieve it. The foundation we are laying today is for the future of our economy, our children and generations to come. This is not just about Lagos; it is about building an economic legacy that will transform Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.”

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    He said substantial groundwork had been completed through policy engagements, technical partnerships and institutional capacity building, noting that the next phase would focus on implementation and structural reforms.

    The governor hailed the United Kingdom government and TheCityUK for providing technical and financial support, stressing that the development of a credible international financial centre required robust institutional framework and strategic investment partnership.

    Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need to insulate the project from political transitions, revealing that key state and federal institutions were already being integrated into the implementation structure.

    “We have designed a model that involves both state and national institutions so that the project becomes institutional rather than personality-driven. It is about building a sustainable structure that will outlive any administration,” he said.

    He urged stronger synergy between the public and private sectors, noting that risk-sharing and joint investment strategies were critical to achieving the project’s objectives.

    British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, described the initiative as a major economic milestone capable of unlocking domestic and international capital flows into infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth.

    He lauded Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR for driving the initiative and strengthening collaboration with federal institutions, saying a well-structured financial centre would benefit the national economy.

    Co-Chairman of LIFCC, Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, underscored the importance of private sector participation, describing LIFC as a collaborative economic ecosystem that required strong partnerships between government and business institutions.

    He said EnterpriseNGR had championed the initiative by drawing lessons from established global financial centres such as London, New York and Kigali.

  • Makinde appoints adviser on security

    Makinde appoints adviser on security

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Lukman Omoniyi as his Executive Adviser on Security Coordination.

    The appointment, contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, is with immediate effect.

    Congratulating Omoniyi on the appointment, Governor Makinde urged him to ensure effective coordination of security activities in the state with a view to making every part of the state safe and everyone secure.

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    Gen. Omoniyi is a seasoned senior infantry officer, who has held various command, staff and instructional appointments in military formations and units.

    He holds a Master of Science Degree in Humanitarian and Refugees Studies, in addition to another Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies, both from the University of Ibadan.

    He is currently working on his Doctoral Degree in Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies at the University of Ibadan.

  • Soyinka: ignoring history fuels tyranny

    Soyinka: ignoring history fuels tyranny

    Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has said societies that neglect their history and fail to confront injustice, risk descending into tyranny.

    He said cultural identity and historical consciousness were central to justice and national renewal.

    Soyinka, delivering the Centenary Lecture of Yoruba Tennis Club (YTC), Lagos, where he traced the origin of the club to a broader struggle for social liberation, dignity and self-definition among Nigerians, said the organisation that later became Yoruba Tennis Club was conceived not merely as a social platform, but as part of a historical movement to reclaim dignity in the face of oppression.

    The Nobel laureate, who was guest lecturer at the event, described the club’s name as a powerful affirmation of identity, rejecting the notion that embracing Yoruba heritage contradicts global or universal values.

    “What is wrong with being Yoruba?” Soyinka asked, insisting that cultural rootedness does not negate cosmopolitanism.

    According to him, humanity is not built on cultural erasure, but on the recognition, respect and dignity of origins.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    “The founders of the club understood who they were and what they stood for,” he said.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s post-independence experience, Soyinka said many leaders were more eager to replace colonial rulers than to dismantle the structures of injustice they inherited.

    He added that the excitement of independence often eclipsed the need for deep reflection on governance, accountability and justice.

    The playwright said his early work, A Dance of the Forests, was deliberately pessimistic, as it was meant to warn against repeating historical errors.

    Contrary to expectations that the play should celebrate independence, Soyinka said he believed the real task of nation-building had only just begun.

    “The future is not merely about liberating ourselves from the past,” he said, adding that genuine progress required remembering, confronting and learning from past mistakes, to avoid reproducing them in new forms.

    He said tyranny did not always arrive abruptly, but often emerged when societies neglected justice, silenced dissent and allowed leaders to step comfortably into the shoes of former oppressors.

    The Chairman of Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawumi Gasper, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to preserving history, culture and intellectual leadership.

    He described the centenary milestone as a testament to the institution’s enduring legacy and sustained role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual landscape, noting that the club, founded a century ago, had remained rooted in tradition while engaging contemporary issues.

    He described Soyinka as a man of deep intellectual capacity, cultural depth and moral clarity, noting that the interactive session provided a rare opportunity to engage with wide-ranging discussions on literature, culture, nationhood, humanity, conscience and the enduring role of history in shaping societies.

    Gasper paid tributes to the founding fathers of Yoruba Tennis Club, acknowledging their foresight, sacrifices and commitment to sustaining the institution’s values and traditions.

  • Edo APC, Odigie-Oyegun trade words over ‘indebtedness’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has called out a former national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to pay debt allegedly owed to the party.

    It said the debts arose from alleged loans and accumulated membership dues spanning several years when Odigie-Oyegun was the national chairman of the party.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

    In the statement, the Edo APC chairman said Odigie-Oyegun failed to respond to several official demands for repayment, with the total liability of over N150million.

    The statement said: “All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State wishes to inform the public that as a law-abiding, people-centred political organisation, we have formally demanded the settlement of debts owed by the National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Odigie-Oyegun.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    “The debts include loans allegedly advanced to Odigie-Oyegun during his tenure as national chairman of APC, as well as accumulated membership dues which he allegedly failed to remit throughout his period of membership.

    “Our records also reveal accumulated membership dues, which the ADC national leader refused to pay into the party’s coffers all through the period of his membership of the APC.

    “This open demand has become necessary due to the refusal by Chief Odigie-Oyegun to settle his commitments to the APC, the party that gave him the platform to tower politically.”

    Odigie-Oyegun, however, said the claims were baseless, and a sign of panic within the ruling APC.

    He said the allegations were driven by growing unease within the APC following the emergence of the ADC as a strong political force.