The presidency says its attention has been drawn to unfounded allegations by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, claiming to be the subject of an EFCC investigation regarding unsubstantiated financial dealings involving Lagos State.

“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance,” Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Friday.

“It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant,” Onanuga added.

He said President Bola Tinubu remained focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.

The presidential aide said the president had neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.

“Atiku’s allegations are infantile and a transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks.

“His repeated attempts to drag the presidency and now the Lagos State government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amid his fading attempt to cobble a coalition,”Onanuga said.

He stated that since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former vice president had failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman.

Onanuga said rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he had chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.

“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability – qualities Nigeria urgently needs.

“Lastly, the former vice president should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence.

” Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law.

“The presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability and the pursuit of national development – priorities that demand our undivided attention,” he said. (NAN)

From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Plateau State PDP Chairman, Hon.

Chris Hassan has said the journey to the 2027 general elections in Nigeria required strong party men and women of proven integrity that will not betray the party but drive the party to victory.The Chairman at weekend reiterated that the party will not accept poor performance from any officer again and will not hesitate to pass a vote of no confidence on such underperformance party officials if elected into office this time around. Hassan stated this when he received Hon Stephen Abraham Ajiya an aspirant for the office of the North Central Zonal Vice Chairman of the PDP alongside delegates at the PDP Secretariat in Jos the state capital, assuring that delegates from the state will do the needful when the times come.In his words, “The PDP has gone through a lot on the Plateau, we have seen it all! You will recall that when we went for zoning, we said it is time for the FCT. We know the definition of FCT; we know those who own FCT because the battle ahead of us is not an easy one.”The battle for the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party at whatever level needs people that are tested, people that can withstand the storm. We know how we suffered on the Plateau for 8 years, some even died in the cause of the struggles. “Now, our own Dakas Shan has done well as a Vice Chairman of the North Central Zone; so, he needs a worthy successor. He needs somebody that can succeed him very well. We used to have 12 Governors, now we have 11 Governors. If you know you are not ready for battle, you better resign now,” He warnedHassan further hinted, “If you want to do PDP, this is the time, there are very strong clandestine meetings going on to buy us (delegates). We are very conscious and aware of plans that some people are making, so that time will come and they will say they are decamping from PDP to that party so that they will go with a large number of people.” He allegedly statedThe North Central Zonal Vice Chairmanship aspirant, Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya earlier on while addressing the party leadership and delegates at the party’s Secretariat in Jos pledged to lead the party in the region to victory come 2027 general elections.According to Ajiya, “I am here to canvas for your votes, we are mindful of moneybags who are planning and feel they can buy everybody come 12 April, 2025.”Now, my concentration is to bring back the entire PDP governor’s seat in the North Central, that’s my major concern. The capacity to turn this PDP around in this zone will come from me if voted into office. To the delegates, if you want us to solve all the problems in the PDP vote for me,” he notedThe Zonal PDP Congress is scheduled for 12 April, 2925 is expected to hold in Jos the Plateau State capital, where new executives will emerge to spearhead the affairs of the party in the geopolitical zone in the country.

From Joel Oladele, Abuja

A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former state Woman Leader in Ekiti State, has called for greater representation of women in Nigerian politics.

She emphasized the need for deputy governorship seats to be reserved for women by law, arguing that such measures are essential for fostering gender equality in political leadership. Afolabi, who has been actively involved in politics since joining the PDP in 1998, disclosed this in a recent interview with DAILY ASSET. The astute politician expressed her unwavering commitment to empowering women in the political arena. “If I have my way, I would advocate that all deputy governors should be female statutorily.“This would not only elevate women but also prepare them for future leadership roles, including governorship positions.”Reflecting on her journey in politics, Afolabi shared her experiences and the challenges she faced as a woman leader. “The number one challenge women encounter in politics is the perception that they do not belong. “Men often dismiss our ideas simply because we are women. I faced those hurdles when I first came on board but as time went on, they saw reasons to allow us to do things because number one, starting from home, I don’t see myself contesting with my husband. You don’t need to compete with them. “We are not competing with men because to be sincere with you, they have gone far ahead of us in politics. So for us women who are just joining, the only thing we can do is to complement whatever they are doing and at the end of the day, they would see the reason they have to give us the opportunity to serve our people.“I believe that women have unique insights and sensitivities that can greatly benefit our society.Afolabi highlighted the importance of mentorship among female politicians, urging those in leadership positions to guide and support younger women aspiring to enter politics.“We need to create a culture of mentorship where experienced women help nurture the next generation of female leaders. Without this, we will continue to see a limited number of women in political roles,” she said.She also addressed the societal expectations placed on women, noting that many women feel they must choose between their family responsibilities and a political career. “Marriage should not be a barrier to a woman’s political ambitions. We can and we should balance both if we prioritize our commitments and have supportive partners. “There has to be understanding between yourself and your spouse.Your husband must see you as somebody that will not go out there to destroy the love that you people share in the family. There are some women, when they have little change like this, it’s that money, that power, that position that will now be controlling them. “They would have forgotten where they are coming from. The husband will now be somebody that they cannot be proud of. Level has changed, so it’s part of the problems that we are facing as women that are affecting our family. Some of these men know their wives; they know that if they are given the opportunity to excel, they won’t be able to control them. Or better still, manage them.

“My husband doesn’t control me but he manages me very well. When I was the state woman leader, two years into the appointment, I just called my husband and asked “Love, ever since I became a woman leader, has anything changed?” My husband said no, that instead of you misbehaving that your humility to me has increased. I thank God I gave you that opportunity. How many of our husbands can say that? I’m not saying that to brag, but to glorify God who has helped me,” she said.Afolabi’s advocacy for increased female representation is not just about numbers; she believes that women bring a different perspective to governance that is crucial for addressing the challenges facing Nigeria today.“When women are empowered politically, they can contribute to financial stability and community development. Women are naturally caring and nurturing, and this translates into better decision-making for families and society as a whole,” Afolabi explained.As she looks to the future, Afolabi remains optimistic about the potential for change in Nigeria’s political landscape. “We must continue to push for policies that support women’s participation in politics. Only then can we create a more balanced and equitable society.”Hon. Yemisi Afolabi’s call for statutory reservation of deputy governorship seats for women and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of female leaders point to the urgent need for increased female representation in Nigerian politics. Her vision for a more inclusive political environment serves as an inspiration for aspiring women leaders across the country.