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  • Tinubu directed me to work with Ganduje for APC’s progress – Yilwatda

    Tinubu directed me to work with Ganduje for APC’s progress – Yilwatda

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed him to collaborate closely with former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to strengthen the party.

    Yilwatda made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving Ganduje, who paid him a condolence visit following the death of his mother, Madam Lydia Yilwatda.

    He acknowledged Ganduje’s political experience, stating it would be invaluable as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    “Your Excellency, I will need to tap from your experience; I will need your guidance as I learn the curves,” Yilwatda said.

    He added, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked me to work with you and reach out to you for partnership. I told him I would regard you as a chairman in partnership with me—you remain the co-chairman of the APC.”

    “I am only a coordinator. My duty is simply to coordinate the membership of this party. But the party belongs to all of us.

    “We are all collective leaders of the party. Moreover, by experience and by virtue of politics, you have been there long before me. Since the time of the NPN, you have been part of the political scene.

    “At that time, I was only in primary school. I recall that we used to see Governor Rimi come to Jos in the 70s and 80s to visit Solomon Lar. One day, he came to commission a project at my school. I was just in Form 2, waving at them along with my classmates — I never knew what politics truly meant. By then, people like you had already learned the ropes of politics, while we didn’t even know the definition of politics.

    “So I need your experience. I need your guidance. The learning curve still rests with you.

    “I will depend heavily on your experience, your connections, and your contacts to ensure we solidify this party and build it together so that we can win more elections.” 

    Read Also: Akpabio condoles APC chairman Yilwatda on mother’s death

    He then assured his predecessor that his doors would be open to the former Kano State governor. “My doors are open, the office is open, the partnership remains open, and the friendship remains open. So never lock your door against me—and I know you will not—because we have worked together long before this time,” Yilwatda appealed to Ganduje. 

    Earlier, Ganduje said his relationship with the new national chairman should be a good example between a successor and predecessor. 

    He said, “One important thing is that the problem between successor and his predecessor is one of the issues that APC has solved. So in order to show examples, I am sure you know it that since 1999 the problem between former Governors and their successors has always been an issue up till now in many states of the federation. 

    “Not only in governorship , but in other positions, especially in politics. So our relationship is the beginning to solve that kind of problem. Not only in APC but in the whole atmosphere of democracy. I have to congratulate you on this new appointment.”

  • Osun 2026: Former deputy gov Alabi joins APC guber race

    Osun 2026: Former deputy gov Alabi joins APC guber race

    Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Benedict Adegboyega Alabi, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Alabi, who served alongside former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola from 2018 to 2022, hails from Ikire in Osun West Senatorial District. 

    Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, he explained that he waited to declare his ambition until Oyetola confirmed he would not be contesting.

    Alabi said his decision to run was driven by a commitment to service rather than personal ambition. 

    “I have walked through the towns and villages of our state, worked with communities, and engaged with the hardworking men and women who form the backbone of our society. I have seen their struggles, but also their resilience. I am convinced that with effective leadership, we can win back our ticket and unlock the full potential of our state,” he stated.

    Promising inclusive growth, Alabi outlined his agenda for Osun’s development, pledging to focus on 10 key areas, including job creation, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, security, transparent governance, and cultural revitalization. 

    Read Also: Osun APC blasts Adeleke for dragging FG to Supreme Court over withheld LG funds

    He vowed to create 40,000 jobs, boost internally generated revenue by 30% without tax hikes, and improve services across sectors.

    Criticizing the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Alabi claimed governance in the state had deteriorated, citing the dismissal of teachers, health workers, and youth employees.

    He emphasized that he has a strong political structure within the APC and is confident of emerging as the party’s candidate. 

    Addressing speculations about Oyetola’s preference, Alabi clarified, “The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy does not have a preferred aspirant. His relationship with Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji does not translate to favoritism.”

  • Osun APC blasts Adeleke for dragging FG to Supreme Court over withheld LG funds

    Osun APC blasts Adeleke for dragging FG to Supreme Court over withheld LG funds

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke for taking the federal government to the Supreme Court over the non-release of local government allocations since February 2025.

    The move followed an ongoing crisis in Osun’s local government administration, sparked by disputes between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over conflicting court judgments, which have stalled grassroots governance and led to the withholding of funds.

    On Monday, the state, through its Attorney-General, filed an Originating Summons (SC/CU/773/2025) at the Supreme Court against the Attorney-General of the Federation. Among its prayers, Osun sought to stop the federal government from releasing funds to APC-controlled council executives and to ensure the allocations go to PDP-elected officials.

    Reacting, APC’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, described the move as evidence of confusion within the Adeleke administration, accusing it of failing to comply with the law and creating unnecessary legal battles.

    “The latest approach of the apparently confused Governor Adeleke’s administration is an indication that it has reached a dead end on the futile efforts to grab the people’s allocations at the grassroots, which are meant for delivery of good governance inclusive of dividends of democracy by the local governments to their people after all efforts to get ill-conceived propaganda from the backdoor on the issue proved abortive.”

    Olabisi said, “The way and manners the Osun State Government has been going about the local government allocations issue from the Federal Government underscore the fact that it lacks diplomacy, competence and simple understanding required to govern at any level, not to talk of a complex state like Osun.

    “With this development, the principal active players propelling the machinery of Governor Adeleke’s government should cover their faces in shame because of the latest moves indicating the emptiness of the man at the helm of affairs in the state.

    “One needs not beat about the bush to submit and conclude that Osun State is in a serious problem under the watch of Governor Adeleke, as almost all things are in tupsy-turfy since the inauguration of his inglorious administration in 2022.

    Read Also: Adeleke blamed for seized allocation

    “Governance goes beyond merely constantly engaging in sloganeering and ridiculously dancing at every event, which has been seen as a ploy to cover up administrative ineptitude and gross incompetence, which have become the imprimatur of this administration.”

    He contended that the government has a duty to respect the rule of law and not to promote blackmail to bully the opposition to silence over their lawful reinstatement into the councils, the Federal Government and its ministers to act contrary to the laws of the land.

    “One is surprised that the same government that quickly discontinued its earlier suit at the Supreme Court less than six weeks ago has rushed again to the same court over the same issues with no different facts. It is a big proof of a fact that Osun State is in a big mess to have once entrusted its future in the hands of the current occupiers of the Bola Ige House.”

  • We’ll not close our doors against others in 2027 – APC

    We’ll not close our doors against others in 2027 – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that its 2027 presidential ticket will be open to all party members, contrasting with the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2014 decision to print only one nomination form for the ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

    APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, made this known on Wednesday while addressing a press conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to celebrate the party’s victories in recent legislative bye-elections.

    Argungu clarified that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received massive endorsements ahead of 2027, the party remains committed to democratic principles and will give room for other members to contest.

    “In 2014, the PDP printed a single presidential nomination form for Goodluck Jonathan, shutting others out. But the APC is a democratic party; we allow our members to express themselves,” he said.

    The APC also used the occasion to highlight its recent electoral successes, winning federal and state constituencies across Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Taraba, and Zamfara states.

    Argungu described the victories as proof of Nigerians’ continued confidence in both President Tinubu and the APC, assuring citizens of the party’s commitment to welfare, security, and prosperity.

    He said, “These victories are not just statistics; they are a reaffirmation of the trust Nigerians continue to place in the APC. They demonstrate the strength, resilience, and growing acceptance of our party nationwide.

    “They reflect the belief of the Nigerian people in our capacity to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance.”

    Read Also: APC: Obasanjo in no position to call anyone incompetent

    Asked whether the party will allow other presidential contestants to pick nomination forms despite massive endorsements of President Tinubu across the country, the National Organising Secretary said the party will abide by the rules and give room to everyone to actualise their dreams.

    He said, “The aspiration of the people would be the wish of the party. As leaders of the party today, the NWC have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next presidential candidate of the party. By extension, other organs have done similar things. Governments in most states, zones in most of the six political zones, have also adopted the same.

    “But that does not mean that the door is closed. That does not mean that when the time comes, like we have always done, we’ll make our timetable known so that for anybody who wants to aspire to be the next President of this country, under the platform of All Progressives Congress, we’ll not deny him that opportunity to come and purchase form. We’ll allow him to come and pay. So that he can exercise his franchise as a member of the APC.

    “We have never said it for any time, for any day that we have closed the door. But we are only telling people that we appreciate what Mr. President is doing for the good people of this country.”

  • Enugu APC stakeholders blast ADC coalition, endorse Tinubu for 2027

    Enugu APC stakeholders blast ADC coalition, endorse Tinubu for 2027

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have come down hard on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, dismissing it as nothing more than a refuge for serial election losers

    The stakeholders also described the coalition as a group of people with no clear vision or policy framework for Nigeria’s development.

    Rising from a one-day meeting at Sheriff Hotel, Enugu, on Tuesday, the stakeholders declared that the ADC coalition lacked the pedigree, direction, and credibility to be taken seriously in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    “The so-called ADC coalition is nothing but an embodiment of serial election losers — politicians without vision or policy direction for Nigeria’s advancement. They have consistently failed to inspire confidence or present a workable alternative, and cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with a party like the APC that is leading reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the communiqué read.

    While lampooning the ADC coalition, the APC leaders reiterated their unflinching support for President Tinubu, passing a vote of confidence on his administration and endorsing him for a second term in 2027. 

    They described the president’s leadership as bold, reformist, and transformative.

    “We, the stakeholders of APC Enugu State, having reviewed the transformative leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hereby pass a vote of confidence on him and endorse him for a second tenure come 2027,” they declared.

    Turning to state politics, the stakeholders expressed excitement over the governor, Barr. Peter Mbah’s decision to join the APC, saying his entry would mark a turning point in Enugu’s political history. 

    Read Also: APC to Obi: Military record praises Tinubu’s remarkable progress on security

    They maintained that the development would reposition the state and end years of marginalisation in national politics.

    “The stakeholders are happy welcoming the governor to the party so that Enugu State can finally take her place in national politics,” the communiqué stated.

    The communiqué was signed by leading APC figures, including former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Barrister Eugene Odoh (Enugu North); former APC chairman in Enugu, Dr. Ben Nwoye (Enugu East); Dr. El Ajah (Enugu West); APC National Assembly candidate, Hon. Dr. Oby Ajih; 2023 APC House of Assembly candidates’ representative, Hon. Barr. Godwin Onwusi; among others.

  • APC to Obi: Military record praises Tinubu’s remarkable progress on security

    APC to Obi: Military record praises Tinubu’s remarkable progress on security

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, has dismissed the statement attributed to Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour in 2023, that Nigeria is now a killing field.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Obi, in a post on his official X handle on Monday, said that more than 10,000 lives have been lost to terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs in just two years.

    According to Obi, the figure was released by the Amnesty International.

    But in a swift reaction, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said that there were evidential proofs that Tinubu’s administration had made significant progress in securing Nigeria.

    Oladejo said: “APC utterly rejects and condemns the allegation by Mr Peter Obi that Nigeria is now a killing field with more than 10,000 deaths under Tinubu’s watch.

    “These sensationalist claims are not only baseless they are a disgraceful distortion of reality made in bad faith to score political points.

    “Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s Armed Forces have delivered extraordinary successes, dismantling terror infrastructure and restoring stability to previously threatened communities.”

    According to him, from the hard data, (not hype) the defence ministry midterm report (Aug. 2023–April 2025) revealed that 9,415 terrorists neutralised, more than 3,159 suspects arrested while 5,449 hostages rescued.

    He added that the data from the defence headquarters’ two-year summarised that 6,260 terrorists killed, 14,138 terrorists and criminals apprehended while 5,365 civilians rescued.

    He said that the data showed that N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered.

    On military operations across the zones, Oladejo said that in the North-East (Operation Hadin Kai), no fewer than 1,246 terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued.

    According to him, in the North-west (Operation Fasan Yamma), data showed that 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 surrendered or arrested, while 3,288 hostages rescued.

    “These are not statistics they are lives saved, communities secured and terrorists dismantled.

    “Just recently, the military air strikes in Katsina freed 76 hostages, including children some kidnapped during a mosque attack that claimed at least 50 lives.

    “One child, tragically, died during the rescue, illustrating both the danger and the bravery involved.

    Additionally, air strikes eliminated 35 militants in the same region.

    “In Borno, precision air strikes killed 35 militants, restoring critical ground communications and stabilising the area.

    “A week-long operation in Borno earlier this year neutralised 76 extremists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages,” he added.

    On the technological and structural strengthening of the military, Oladejo said that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian Air Force had been transformed with modern acquisitions.

    He listed these to include purchase of 24 M 346 attack jets, 10 AW 109 Trekker helicopters, among others.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army and Navy have also received cutting-edge hardware from tactical vehicles to patrol vessels strengthening ground and maritime security effectiveness.

    “Local defense manufacturing is booming: DICON has produced more than 4.6 million rounds of ammunition, 53 MRAPs, 14,040 PPE units and even drones, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers,” he said.

    He said that the administration had also received credible recognition for the remarkable progress Tinubu’s administration had made in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    Read Also: Education cornerstone of Tinubu’s administration -Akume

    According to him, the Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom (CHRF), has commended the armed forces’ performance, citing that more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued under coordinated operations.

    “These are tangible, verifiable successes, adding that nothing like the exaggerated sensationalism offered by Mr Obi.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces, under this administration, are not only standing tall, but they are also striking back aggressively, saving lives and securing our nation.

    “The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the leadership of President Tinubu and our military heroes on the frontline.

    “We invite Mr Obi and others to acknowledge the progress made or risk being left behind in baseless political dramatics.” (NAN)

  • Edo APC suspends Okpebholo’s aide

    Edo APC suspends Okpebholo’s aide

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has suspended the Chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission, Mr. Valentine Asuen, for alleged infraction.

    Asuen, a former state youth leader of the party and Edo South Senatorial District aspirant, was alleged to have committed actions amounting to incitement and divisiveness within the party.

    His suspension was contained in a statement signed by the APC state Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadia.

    The letter said Asuen was suspended from the party in accordance with the provisions of the party’s Constitution 2022, as amended.

    It said the disciplinary action became necessary because Asuen’s conduct ran contrary to the spirit of unity, loyalty and collective progress enshrined in the APC constitution.

    The statement said: “His actions have been deemed to amount to inciting division within the party, thereby undermining the cohesion and discipline expected of every member.

    Read Also: APC aspirant gets support for Reps’ seat

    “In line with Article 21:2 (ii) & (v) of the Party Constitution 2022, as amended, such conduct constitutes a violation of the obligations of a member.

    “APC remains committed to internal democracy, discipline and the protection of its integrity. No act capable of destabilising the party or inciting disaffection among members will be condoned.

    “Let it be stated that all appointments made thus far by Governor Monday Okpebholo have been evenly distributed across the state, including Oredo Local Government, without any undue influence from the party’s Secretary, Lawrence Okah.

    “The party urges all members to remain steadfast, united, and focused on the collective vision of the APC, as we continue to work towards delivering good governance and democratic dividends to the people.”

    Last week, Asuen was fingered to have sponsored the calls for the resignation of Okah as secretary of the party.

    He, however, denied the allegations.

  • APC stakeholders call for Minister’s sack over alleged anti-party activities

    APC stakeholders call for Minister’s sack over alleged anti-party activities

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) from 29 out of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom state have called for the sack of the Minister for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo over alleged anti party activities.

    Under the aegis of ‘Dedicated Members of the APC’, they expressed worry that Ekpo was alienating founding members of the party and working at cross-purposes with Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his alleged bid to become governor.

    In a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu in Uyo on Monday, the stakeholders called for Ekpo’s replacement with someone more attuned to the ideals of the APC.

    Signatories to the petition are: Rt Hon Michael Essien(Ini),Obong Anthony John(Itu), Comrade Victor Okon(Uruan), Pst David Udoh(Ibiono Ibom), Lawrence Edet(Uyo), David Linus(Ibesikpo Asutan), Asua Effiong(Etinan) and Vincent Etuk(Nsit Atai).

    Others are Samuel Samuel(Abak), Emmanuel  Chris(Ika), Iniemem Effiong(Ikot Ekpene),Edidiong Okon(Mkpat Enin), Steve Udofia(Ikot Abasi), Raphael Charles(Eastern Obolo), Nse Akpabio(Onna) among others.

    The statement reads in part: “We, the dedicated members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, write to reiterate our call for the sack of Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.

    “Our previous letter to you on this matter was met with a laughable response from the Minister, which only further exposes his true intentions and actions that are detrimental to the party’s unity and progress in our state.

    Read Also: PDP more democratic than APC, says Olawepo-Hashim

    “As you are aware, the Minister’s actions since assuming office in 2023 have been nothing short of disastrous for our party in Akwa Ibom State. Rather than working to rally party members to support your second-term bid and strengthen our party’s structures in the state, he has been busy creating factions, sidelining, and ostracizing those who do not support his 2031 gubernatorial ambition.

    “This behavior is a clear manifestation of his selfish interests and lack of commitment to the party’s ideals”.

    They added: “Rather than working together to advance the cause of our party in Akwa Ibom State, the Minister is busy pursuing his personal interests at the expense of party unity and cohesion.

    “In light of these developments, we insist that the Minister is a liability to your administration and a curse to our party in Akwa Ibom State. His actions are unbecoming of a public servant and a leader in our party.

    “We urge you to take immediate action to address this situation and restore the integrity of our party.

    “Moreover, it is imperative that the next Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas) for Akwa Ibom State is someone who will foster unity and cohesion between the Senate President and the Governor, rather than someone who will sow seeds of discord between the two top leaders of our party in the state.

    “The current Minister’s actions have not only undermined the working relationship between these key leaders but have also created an atmosphere of distrust and division within our party” the release stated.

    They maintained that they need a minister who will work collaboratively with the Senate President and the Governor to advance the interests of our party and the people of Akwa Ibom State, rather than pursuing personal agendas that are detrimental to the collective progress of the state and the party.

  • APC blames Adeleke for seized Osun council allocations

    APC blames Adeleke for seized Osun council allocations

    The All Progressives Congress(APC) in Osun State on Monday blamed Governor Ademola Adeleke for the continued seizure of local government allocation. 

    It also accused him of using the leadership of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to ground the running of the councils. 

    The Nation recalls that there is crisis over control of local governments in Osun State, fuelled by disputes between All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over conflicting court rulings, which stalled governance at the grassroots level leading to the withholding of allocations since February 2025. 

    The APC in a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, cautioned Adeleke to stop misinforming the public about the authentic reason the federal allocations have not been accessed by the local government council areas. 

    It stated that the Court of Appeal verdict of February 10,  2025 reinstated the October 2022 APC LGA chairmen and councilors. 

    The party wondered: “Why is it that Governor Adeleke is not bold enough to tell the unsuspecting members of the public that he is the one who has been working in cahoot with the leadership of the state chapter of the NULGE to withdraw the services of the council workers in a sympathy protest since then?

    “What could be the rationale behind a state chief executive sponsoring a strike of the council workers against his own government for a selfish reason when it is known to all and sundry that such a protest would affect the people negatively at the grassroots level?”

    Read Also: PDP more democratic than APC, says Olawepo-Hashim

    The party said stakeholders in the Osun project within and outside the State should impress it on Adeleke that it is only an act of wickedness and lack of empathy on the part of the Governor that could make him imbibe such unpopular and anti-democratic route.

    The party added: “Must Adeleke be playing politics with everything without thinking of the untoward effects it would have on the people? The sponsored interest groups who have been labelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being responsible for the inability of the council chairmen to access the accumulated local government allocations from the federation account should redirect their plea to the governor to release the NULGE to resume work in all the local government councils.

    “It is because the Governor Adeleke-led administration has been the one preventing the NULGE to resume that has resulted to the inability of the traditional rulers in the state to be paid their statutory allowances and salaries.

    “With the NULGE staff on the sympathy strike with Governor Adeleke, there are no local government workers who would prepare the salaries of the traditional rulers in the state.If only for the sake of the royal fathers in the state, Governor Adeleke should sheathe his sword and allow the NULGE to call off their sympathy strike.”

    Efforts to get reaction from Adeleke’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed were abortive. 

    He didn’t get Adeleke’s reaction across to newsmen as promised as of the time of filing this report. 

  • Edo APC suspends Okpebholo’s aide

    Edo APC suspends Okpebholo’s aide

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has suspended the chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission, Valentine Asuen, for alleged infraction.

    Asuen, a former state youth leader of the party and Edo South Senatorial aspirant, was alleged to have committed actions that amounted to incitement and divisiveness within the party.

    His suspension was contained in a statement signed by the APC state publicity secretary, Peter Uwadia.

    The letter said Asuen was suspended from the Party in accordance with the provisions of the party’s Constitution 2022, as amended.

    It said the disciplinary action became necessary because Asuen’s conduct ran contrary to the spirit of unity, loyalty, and collective progress enshrined in the APC’s constitution.

    According to the statement, “His actions have been deemed to amount to inciting division within the Party, thereby undermining the cohesion and discipline expected of every member.

    “In line with Article 21:2 (ii) & (v) of the Party Constitution 2022, as amended, such conduct constitutes a violation of the obligations of a member.

    Read Also: Oredo APC promises to support Okpebholo

     “The APC remains committed to internal democracy, discipline, and the protection of its integrity. No act capable of destabilising the Party or inciting disaffection amongst members will be condoned.

    “Let it be clearly stated that all appointments made thus far by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, have been evenly distributed across the state, including Oredo Local Government Area, without any undue influence from the Party’s Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah.

    “The Party urges all members to remain steadfast, united, and focused on the collective vision of the APC, as we continue to work towards delivering good governance and democratic dividends to the people.”

    Last week, Asuen was fingered to have sponsored the calls for the resignation of Okah as Secretary of the party.

    He, however, denied the allegations.