Tinubu Pressured to Investigate CoS Gbajabiamila Over Alleged Council Irregularities

A civil society organisation, Nigerians for Accountability and Integrity (NANI), has formally called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate a thorough and independent investigation into his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The demand follows serious allegations of misconduct and a purported kickback scheme.

In an open letter addressed to the President, with copies sent to prominent groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT, and Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria), NANI expressed deep concern over alleged anomalies surrounding the supposed formation and recognition of two bodies: the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The letter, signed by NANI's Public Relations Officer, Hauwa Yelwa, highlighted what it described as unresolved contradictions. These contradictions reportedly exist between official denials regarding the existence of these councils and their alleged inclusion in government records, including provisions said to be in the 2026 Appropriation Budget.

NANI specifically requested the immediate suspension of Mr. Gbajabiamila. The group stated, “We demand the immediate suspension of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, pending the outcome of a full, independent, and transparent investigation into serious allegations relating to the purported establishment, recognition, and inclusion of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).”

According to the organisation, documents reportedly linked to these councils, alongside provisions allegedly found within the 2026 Appropriation Budget, raise significant questions about adherence to governance principles, due process, and accountability. NANI further asserted, “Our investigations and collated reports have shown that there are unresolved contradictions between official denials of knowledge by Femi Gbajabiamila regarding these councils and their apparent inclusion in official state documentation, including provisions reportedly reflected in the 2026 Appropriation Budget.”

The civil society watchdog also claimed to possess evidence connecting the Chief of Staff to the processing of grants allocated for the aforementioned councils. Additionally, NANI alleged an ongoing disagreement concerning funds, which is said to be the cause of a reported conflict between Mr. Gbajabiamila and Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.

The group further raised alarms about intimidation and threats faced by individuals attempting to voice concerns about the matter, urging for robust protection measures for potential witnesses. “There are additional allegations circulating from multiple independent sources suggesting a recurring pattern in which access, appointments, or official facilitation within certain government structures are allegedly influenced through unofficial or monetised channels, only for such arrangements to later be disowned when controversies arise,” NANI noted. They added, “It is also alleged that individuals who attempt to raise objections or report grievances in relation to such dealings are subjected to intimidation or threats. These are grave allegations that, if left unaddressed, risk undermining public confidence in the integrity of this government.”

NANI also voiced apprehension for the safety of Prince Matthew, suggesting he is hesitant to speak publicly on the issue due to fears for his personal security. The organisation drew parallels with previous governmental actions against corruption, such as the suspension of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. They argued that similar benchmarks of accountability should be applied to all public servants, irrespective of their position.

NANI outlined five critical steps for the President to take immediately: suspending the Chief of Staff pending the probe, establishing an impartial investigative panel, conducting a comprehensive audit of all documents and budget allocations related to the councils, ensuring protection for whistleblowers and witnesses, and guaranteeing that due process is strictly followed.

Copies of NANI’s letter were widely distributed to various national and international bodies, including anti-corruption agencies, civil society groups, security organisations, diplomatic missions, and multilateral institutions.

As of the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor Mr. Gbajabiamila has issued a public statement in response to the allegations detailed in the letter.