Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the president while speaking publicly about allegations that linked him to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Gbajabiamila addressed the controversy on Saturday during his 2026 mega empowerment programme at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, where he reflected on the allegations, the investigations that followed and the support he received from people in his constituency.
He said the allegations subjected him to an unexpected period of pressure, with his integrity questioned publicly before the investigations into the matter were completed.
“The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned.”
Gbajabiamila thanked residents of Surulere, Lagos State and other Nigerians who supported him during the controversy, saying their prayers and public defence meant a lot to him.
He maintained that the allegations against him were false and malicious and said investigations by the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) cleared him of wrongdoing.
“At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS and the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain.”
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also used the occasion to encourage young Nigerians aspiring to public office not to be discouraged by the difficulties that can accompany political careers.
He said people seeking high political positions should understand that scrutiny, criticism and personal attacks can sometimes come with the territory.
Gbajabiamila also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for allowing the investigations to run their course instead of acting on the allegations before the relevant authorities concluded their work.
“Many people wanted him to rush to judgement and give a verdict before the investigation; he refused and insisted on due process.”
He added that Tinubu’s longstanding knowledge of him contributed to the president’s confidence in his innocence.
“Let me also say Mr President knows his chief of staff very well. Having worked so closely with me for many years, he was therefore supremely confident that I was not in any way involved in those malicious stories.”
Gbajabiamila said the controversy had not distracted him from his responsibilities within the presidency and vowed to remain focused on the duties assigned to him.
“No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do.”
He also warned anyone using his identity to defraud members of the public or falsely represent him that they could face legal consequences.
“And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you.”
The Chief of Staff further addressed his relationship with Tinubu, describing loyalty as an important part of political relationships and recalling that he had remained with the president for many years, including periods when Tinubu’s political decisions did not align with his personal preferences.
“I have been with Mr. President for many years and there have been times when his political decisions did not favour my wishes. I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me.”
He added:
“I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda is unshaken.”
The controversy surrounding the PFIPC began after Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the organisation’s Director-General, accused Gbajabiamila of demanding and receiving money in connection with his alleged appointment to head the organisation.
Adeyemi alleged that ₦400 million had been paid through a proxy and claimed that another ₦200 million was demanded to facilitate his appointment. Gbajabiamila denied the allegations and said he had no personal, official or professional relationship with Adeyemi.
The Presidency subsequently disowned the PFIPC, stating that the Federal Government had not established the organisation. President Tinubu also directed the ICPC to investigate the organisation, the disputed appointment documents and the allegations surrounding them.
During the investigation, the ICPC questioned Gbajabiamila, while stressing that he was not arrested and had voluntarily honoured its invitation.
The House of Representatives also conducted its own investigation through an ad hoc committee. The committee later reported that it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila authorised, established or participated in the activities of the purported organisation.
The committee also said the appointment letter presented by Adeyemi as evidence of his alleged appointment was fake.
Gbajabiamila has now said that despite the controversy and the allegations levelled against him, his focus remains on his responsibilities in the presidency and his continued support for Tinubu’s administration.
