Timi Frank Slams Tinubu Over ‘Lagos-centric Agenda’

*Alleges plot to relocate Nigeria’s capital by President 

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of pursuing a hidden agenda to relocate Nigeria’s federal capital from Abuja to Lagos, while allegedly sidelining other regions of the country.

In a strongly worded statement, Frank described what he called a pattern of “suspicious and calculated actions” by the administration, claiming that major government decisions, investments, and agreements were increasingly tilted toward Lagos. 

According to him, “it is now clear” that the President’s long-term plan is to concentrate political and economic power in Lagos if given another term in office.

Frank alleged that federal appointments and development initiatives under Tinubu have been largely one-sided, warning that such a trend undermines national unity. 

He insisted that Nigeria needs leadership that treats all regions fairly, stressing that “we don’t need a president who is one-sided,” but one who ensures equitable distribution of opportunities, infrastructure, and governance.

The outspoken activist went further to accuse the administration of worsening nepotism beyond previous governments, including that of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

He argued that while past administrations had been criticised for imbalance, “this is the worst,” alleging that key positions and benefits are disproportionately skewed.

“Where are Tinubu’s MOUs tied to agricultural and livestock production in the North, industrial development in the South East and oil and gas development in the South-South? None!” he said 

Frank also raised concerns over a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and foreign loans, alleging that many of them are tied to projects in Lagos without visible nationwide impact. 

He claimed that despite multiple agreements and borrowings, Nigerians are yet to see corresponding tangible developments across the country, questioning the transparency and execution of such deals.

On the recently reported £746 million port refurbishment deal involving the United Kingdom, Frank described the arrangement as economically disadvantageous to Nigeria. 

He argued that the structure of the deal - requiring a significant portion of contracts and supplies to be sourced from British firms - amounts to a situation where Nigeria incurs debt while foreign companies reap substantial benefits.

He warned that such agreements could deepen Nigeria’s debt burden without delivering commensurate value, alleging that the country risks being used to boost foreign industries at its own expense. 

According to him, “Nigeria must not be turned into a dumping ground for exploitative financial arrangements disguised as partnerships.”

Frank lamented about the handling of the construction of the Coastal Highway, saying, “What is happening with the coastal road raises serious concerns. If the project were genuine, it would have followed the original master plan conceived under late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, which was designed to commence from the Niger Delta, particularly from Calabar.

“However, what we are seeing now is a deviation from that plan. The project has been kickstarted from Lagos, apparently to achieve a political objective before the end of the current administration in 2027, while the original vision has been abandoned.

“Secondly, no President in Nigeria’s history has divided the country and its people along regional and ethnic lines the way this administration has done. 

“There is a growing sense of alienation and division among Nigerians that is deeply troubling.

“It appears to be a deliberate strategy to impoverish certain regions, especially the North, South, and South-East, so that citizens are economically weakened ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

“At the same time, there are allegations of large sums of money being distributed to influence public opinion and silence dissenting voices. Nigerians must be cautious and not allow themselves to be swayed or compromised by this deliberate act that could further deepen poverty and division in the country. 

“No President should pursue personal interests at the expense of national unity. What we are witnessing is an unprecedented level of division among Nigerians across regions.”

Frank called on Nigerians to critically scrutinise government policies and international agreements, urging greater transparency and accountability in governance. 

He also appealed to relevant institutions and stakeholders to ensure that national interest, equity, and sovereignty are not compromised.