Timi Frank Alleges Plot to Relocate Nigeria's Capital from Abuja to Lagos
Comrade Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has leveled serious accusations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging a secretive strategy to move Nigeria's federal capital from Abuja to Lagos. In a strongly worded statement, Frank described this as part of a broader, deliberate agenda that disproportionately favors one region, potentially undermining national balance and unity.
Allegations of a Lagos-Centric Agenda
Frank pointed to what he termed a pattern of calculated decisions by the Tinubu administration, claiming that key government policies, investments, and agreements are increasingly concentrated in Lagos. He argued that this trend suggests a long-term plan to consolidate political and economic influence in the city, especially if the President secures a second term. According to Frank, federal appointments and development initiatives have been skewed, which he warns could erode national cohesion and deepen existing divisions across Nigeria.
Nigeria needs a leader who is fair to all regions, Frank stated. We do not need a president who appears one-sided, but one who ensures equitable distribution of opportunities, infrastructure, and governance. He further accused the administration of entrenching nepotism beyond levels seen under former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the current situation as a significant escalation.
Concerns Over Regional Development and Agreements
Frank questioned the regional spread of government-backed agreements, highlighting a lack of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) supporting critical sectors in other parts of the country. Where are the MOUs supporting agriculture and livestock in the North, industrial growth in the South-East, and oil and gas development in the South-South? None, he remarked. He expressed concern over foreign loans and MOUs tied to projects concentrated in Lagos, alleging limited visible impact nationwide and raising issues about transparency and implementation.
On the reported £746 million port refurbishment deal with the United Kingdom, Frank criticized it as economically unfavorable to Nigeria. He argued that provisions requiring a significant portion of contracts and supplies to be sourced from British firms place the financial burden on Nigeria while allowing foreign companies to reap most benefits. Nigeria must not become a dumping ground for exploitative financial arrangements disguised as partnerships, he warned, noting that such agreements could deepen the country's debt profile without delivering proportional value.
Criticism of Infrastructure Projects and Political Motives
Frank also criticized the execution of the Coastal Highway project, alleging a departure from the original master plan conceived under late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He noted that the initial design proposed starting from the Niger Delta axis, particularly Calabar, but claimed the current starting point in Lagos suggests a shift driven by political considerations ahead of the 2027 elections. This, he argued, reflects a broader pattern of prioritizing certain regions for electoral gains.
Warnings of Deepening Divisions and Calls for Vigilance
The activist accused the administration of exacerbating regional and ethnic divisions, describing the current climate as increasingly polarized. There is a growing sense of alienation across the country, he said. No administration in recent history has deepened divisions along regional and ethnic lines to this extent. He also alleged efforts to weaken certain regions economically ahead of the next election cycle, alongside claims of financial inducements aimed at shaping public opinion and silencing dissent.
Frank urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist actions that could further entrench poverty and division. No leader should prioritize personal or political interests above national unity, he emphasized. What we are witnessing is deeply concerning and unprecedented. He called on citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to closely scrutinize government policies and international agreements, stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of national interest.
