Nigerian Democratic Congress Calls for Chief of Staff’s Suspension Amid Controversy
In a significant political development, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, citing his alleged connections to the disputed Presidential Facilitation of Foreign Intervention Council (PFIPC). The opposition party argues that only through an independent investigation can public trust in the presidency be restored.
Allegations Call for Accountability
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Osa on Friday, the opposition expressed that the gravity of the allegations surrounding the PFIPC warrants Gbajabiamila’s resignation. This action, they contend, would facilitate a transparent and credible investigation into the claims.
Conflicting Claims About PFIPC
This call for action follows assertions from Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the PFIPC Director-General. Despite this, the Office of the President has stated that the Council is neither an officially recognized government body nor an entity established by the Federal Government.
Serious Questions on Government Operations
The NDC has highlighted fundamental issues related to accountability and oversight in the government. They have pointed to a perceived discrepancy between the president’s stated positions and reports indicating that the PFIPC has received budgetary allocations from the Central Bank of Nigeria and has operated its headquarters along with Treasury Single Account (TSA) facilities. Additionally, there are claims that approval for 314 staff members came from the Office of the Federal Civil Service Commissioner.
Allegations Involving Large Financial Transactions
Moreover, the opposition referenced Mr. Adeyemi’s assertion that he was paid N600 million to facilitate his appointment, with allegations that N400 million was transferred through an intermediary linked to the chief of staff. Confounding matters, a dispute reportedly arose over an outstanding N200 million.
Corruption Claims and Tragic Events
The NDC asserted that Gbajabiamila purportedly claimed a share of the take-off subsidy linked to the council, describing the accusations as grave and deserving an immediate investigation. The party also raised concerns regarding the suspicious death of Babatunde Tanimora, alleged to have mediated in this matter, who died in a hotel fire in Abuja in October 2025. Additionally, Adeyemi’s claims of surviving multiple assassination attempts have prompted calls for comprehensive investigations by law enforcement agencies.
Calls for a Thorough Inquiry
In light of these developments, the NDC is urging the suspension of Gbajabiamila pending an investigation’s results and requesting that President Tinubu establish an independent commission to assess the situation at PFIPC and scrutinize ongoing allegations. They also demand that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and other relevant authorities investigate financial transactions, budget allocations, and staffing related to the controversial council.
Official Response from the Presidency
In response, the Office of the President emphasized that the PFIPC is not a legitimate government agency and pointed out that Gbajabiamila was proactive in alerting security agencies regarding individuals allegedly operating under the Council’s name. Furthermore, they urged the public to respect the ongoing judicial proceedings. Nevertheless, the NDC maintains that full disclosure is essential and asserts that any individuals found culpable, irrespective of their position, must be held accountable under the law.
