A political support group, Gbaja Network for Asiwaju 2027, has defended the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over his controversial remark advising a federal lawmaker to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and “fight and scatter” the party from within.
Recall that a viral video had shown Gbajabiamila encouraging a faction of the ADC, led by Nafiu Gombe and House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, to sustain internal disruptions within the party.
Gbajabiamila, who spoke at a birthday event hosted by Abejide, praised the lawmaker for what he described as significant contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also advised him to disregard overtures from APC members seeking his formal defection to the ruling party.
His comments drew backlash from opposition figures with Olabode George asking Gbajabiamila to apologise for the comments, while Timi Frank called for his immediate resignation.
But in a statement signed by its National President, Gideon Unazi, the group described the comment as a “bold and unapologetic expression of partisan conviction.”
It said Gbajabiamila’s statement should be seen within the context of competitive politics, where parties deploy strategies to outmanoeuvre rivals.
“What Gbajabiamila expressed is what many politicians say behind closed doors, but he had the courage to say it openly,” the statement read.
The group insisted that political strategy should not be criminalised, arguing that parties naturally seek to weaken opponents ahead of elections.
“In politics, strategy is not a crime. It is the essence of contest,” Unazi stated.
According to the network, expecting a leading member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen an opposition party is unrealistic.
The group also criticised Bode George for condemning the remark, describing his reaction as “predictable outrage.”
It argued that Nigerian politics has always involved strategic positioning and competition among parties.
The network reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu and his second-term ambition, noting that Gbajabiamila remains central to advancing the administration’s agenda.
The group praised Gbajabiamila’s consistency and political clarity.
“His words may be blunt, but they reflect the competitive spirit that drives democracy,” the statement added.
It urged political actors to focus on strengthening their platforms rather than reacting to what it described as “frank political expressions.”
