The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to allow for an independent investigation into allegations linking him to an alleged N400 million bribery scandal.
Atiku also raised concerns over the reported allocation of N27.4 billion in the 2026 federal budget to what he described as a “non-existent” government agency, saying the matter raises serious questions about the integrity of the budget process.
However, the Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) dismissed the allegations against Gbajabiamila, describing him as a public servant with an established record of integrity. The group argued that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives should not be judged based on unproven claims.
In a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office, the former vice president urged President Tinubu to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability by ensuring that the allegations are thoroughly investigated without interference.
The call follows claims made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who identified himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), alleging that Gbajabiamila was involved in an alleged N400 million bribery scandal.
Reacting to reports that the Chief of Staff had denied the existence of the PFIPC, Atiku said the response had created even more questions about the management of public funds.
According to him, if the agency does not exist, the reported allocation of N27.4 billion to it in the 2026 budget raises serious concerns that deserve public explanation.
“How can you allocate N27.4 billion in the budget to a government agency that doesn’t exist without leaving more questions than answers?” Atiku asked.
He argued that if Gbajabiamila’s position is correct, it would cast doubt on the credibility of the budget preparation process and the oversight mechanisms surrounding public expenditure.
Atiku maintained that the issue had gone beyond the initial bribery allegations and now involved what he described as a major question of fiscal accountability.
He insisted that the alleged budgetary discrepancy should not be dismissed without a comprehensive investigation, stressing that transparency remains the foundation of good governance.
The former vice president therefore called for Gbajabiamila’s immediate suspension to ensure an independent and impartial probe into both the bribery allegations and the reported budget allocation.
“Good governance is based on transparency and accountability, and you cannot achieve that by protecting your family and friends,” Atiku said.
He added, “President Tinubu must lead by example by holding his Chief of Staff to the same standards of accountability as every other public official. N27 billion is not a joke. The rule of law must prevail. Let President Tinubu prove to Nigerians that he is sincerely committed to accountability in his administration.”
The Presidency has yet to officially respond to Atiku’s latest demand. Meanwhile, the allegations remain unproven, and no court has made any findings regarding the claims.
