The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged N400 million bribery scandal.
Atiku also questioned the inclusion of N27.4 billion in the 2026 budget for what he described as a non-existent government agency, urging the president to order an independent investigation into both issues.
In a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office, the former vice president said the allegations involving Gbajabiamila and the reported budget allocation raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in government.
The call followed allegations by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who identified himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), accusing the Chief of Staff of involvement in the alleged bribery scandal.
Atiku argued that Gbajabiamila’s reported denial of the existence of the PFIPC had raised further questions about the credibility of the 2026 budget.
According to him, if the agency does not exist, the reported allocation of N27.4 billion to it represents a major issue that deserves public scrutiny.
He maintained that the controversy extends beyond the bribery allegation, insisting that the alleged budgetary irregularity should not be overlooked.
Atiku urged President Tinubu to suspend Gbajabiamila to allow for an independent investigation, stressing that accountability and the rule of law should apply equally to all public officials.
“Good governance is based on transparency and accountability. President Tinubu must demonstrate his commitment to these principles by ensuring that no public official is shielded from investigation,” he said.
However, the Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) rejected Atiku’s position, describing Gbajabiamila as a public servant with an outstanding record of integrity.
In a statement signed by its National President, Mohammed Aliyu, the group accused the former vice president of political hypocrisy and attempting to gain political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
AYIF stated that while allegations against public officials should be investigated, Atiku lacked the moral authority to question Gbajabiamila’s integrity.
The group also praised the Chief of Staff’s contributions to governance, legislative reforms and executive coordination, insisting that unproven allegations should not be used as political weapons against serving government officials.
