Femi Gbajabiamila has denied involvement in the purported PFIPC, saying investigations found no link between him and the controversial organisation.
Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed allegations linking him to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Speaking on Saturday at his 2026 Mega Empowerment Programme at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Gbajabiamila said he never betrayed the president’s trust.
Origin of the Allegations
The controversy began after Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who presented himself as director-general of the purported PFIPC, accused Gbajabiamila of demanding and receiving ₦400 million through a proxy and seeking an additional ₦200 million in connection with his alleged appointment to head the organisation. Gbajabiamila denied the allegations and maintained that he had no personal, official or professional relationship with Adeyemi.
The Presidency subsequently disowned the PFIPC, saying it had not been established by the federal government, while President Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the organisation, the disputed appointment documents and related allegations. A House of Representatives ad hoc committee separately investigating the matter said in its preliminary report that it found no evidence Gbajabiamila established, authorised or participated in the PFIPC’s activities, and declared the appointment letter Adeyemi presented to be fake.
Gbajabiamila appeared before the ICPC voluntarily in July 2026, he was not arrested, as part of that investigation, and the commission subsequently reported it had found no evidence linking him or his office to the purported organisation or the appointment of its alleged director-general.
“The Past Few Months Have Tested Me”
Gbajabiamila said the investigative reports from the probe are now in the public domain, adding that due process prevailed despite calls for his condemnation before the investigations were concluded.
“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,” he said.
“Three years ago, the people of Surulere, the people of Lagos state, and those who love me in Nigeria, stood by me in their prayers and spoke up for me when it mattered. I will never forget that. I thank you all.
“The investigative reports are in the public domain. Many people wanted me to rush to judgement and give a verdict before the investigation. They refused and insisted on due process. Let me also say, Mr. President knows his chief of staff very well. Having worked closely with me for many years, he was therefore supremely confident that I was not in any way involved in those nefarious things.”
The chief of staff said the allegations had not affected his commitment to his responsibilities in the presidency.
“Let me speak plainly and directly to all those behind the attacks. 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 said. “And to anyone using my name to defame people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you.”
Reaffirming Loyalty to Tinubu
Gbajabiamila also reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu, saying he remained committed to the president throughout their longstanding political relationship.
“In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most. I have been with Mr. President for many years. I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me. I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda is unshaken,” he said.
Hamzat Backs Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid
Also speaking at the event, Lagos Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat commended Gbajabiamila for his continued engagement with his constituents.
Hamzat also called for Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that other candidates lacked the political experience and capacity to lead Nigeria. He said anyone unable to manage a political party could not effectively govern a complex country like Nigeria.
The Empowerment Programme
The empowerment programme targeted about 5,000 beneficiaries from communities in Surulere, valued at approximately ₦1.15 billion. Items provided included cash grants, 61 electric vehicles for e-hailing, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses, security patrol vehicles, an ambulance and 100 laptops, 279 vehicles in total, alongside cash and equipment support.
Gbajabiamila said the scale of the intervention was responsible for its “Mega Empowerment” description. “That is why we call it Mega Empowerment. This is not a token gesture,” he said, adding that the Gbaja transportation service remains operational, moving students within Surulere at no cost and offering discounted rates for the elderly, and that electric vehicle charging stations would soon be installed in the constituency.
