The Gbaja Network for Asiwaju 2027 has defended Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president, over his recent remark advising Leke Abejide, a federal lawmaker from Kogi state, to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and “fight and scatter” the party from within.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Gideon Unazi, its national president, the group described the comment as a “bold and unapologetic expression of partisan conviction”, insisting that Gbajabiamila spoke as a committed leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The network said the advice to Abejide must be understood within the context of competitive politics, where parties legitimately seek to outmanoeuvre their rivals ahead of elections.
“Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s statement to Hon. Leke Abejide to remain in the ADC and fight and scatter the party is a clear demonstration of his loyalty to the APC and his readiness to defend the progressive mandate,” the statement read.
“In politics, strategy is not a crime. It is the essence of contest. What Gbajabiamila expressed is what many politicians say behind closed doors, but he had the courage to say it openly.”
The group said Gbajabiamila has never pretended about his political leanings, describing him as “a thoroughbred progressive who understands the mechanics of power and party competition”.
It added that his role as chief of staff does not strip him of his political identity, arguing that he remains a key figure in shaping the APC’s strategic direction.
According to the group, calls to condemn the remark ignore the realities of Nigeria’s political environment, where parties constantly seek advantage over one another.
“Expecting a leading APC figure to offer guidance that strengthens an opposition party is unrealistic. Gbajabiamila’s position reflects clarity, not confusion,” Unazi said.
The network also took a swipe at Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for criticising the comment, describing his reaction as “predictable outrage lacking in political honesty”.
“Chief Bode George’s criticism is ironic. Nigerian politics has never been a playground of innocence. Parties organise, strategise, and yes, seek to weaken their opponents. To single out Gbajabiamila for saying what is widely practised is disingenuous,” the statement said.
The group maintained that Gbajabiamila’s political career has been defined by consistency, from his years in the national assembly to his current position in the presidency.
The network emphasized that Gbajabiamila’s “forthrightness” is part of what has earned him respect within the APC and beyond.
“He is not a man who speaks from both sides of his mouth. Nigerians know where he stands, and that is a strength in a political climate often clouded by ambiguity,” the statement added.
The network reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, noting that Gbajabiamila remains central to advancing the administration’s agenda.
The group said it would continue to rally support for leaders who demonstrate “clarity of purpose and unwavering commitment to progressive politics”.
“Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila has once again shown that he is a loyal party man and a strategic thinker. His words may be blunt, but they reflect the competitive spirit that drives democracy,” Unazi said.
“We stand firmly with him and commend his courage to speak plainly in defence of the APC and its future.”
The group urged political actors to focus on strengthening their platforms rather than reacting to “frank political expressions”, adding that democracy thrives on competition, not pretence.