TDFormer Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alhaji Abubakar urged President Tinubu to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency by addressing the mounting bribery allegations against his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The scandal erupted following accusations by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Prince Adeyemi had alleged that Gbajabiamila was involved in a N400 million bribery scheme.
Gbajabiamila has dismissed the claims, asserting that the PFIPC does not exist.
More Questions, Less Answers
However, Atiku countered that such a defense only intensifies the credibility crisis surrounding the administration.
Atiku questioned the integrity of the 2026 national budget, pointing to the allocation of N27.4 billion to an agency that the Chief of Staff insists does not exist.
“How can you allocate N27.4 billion in the budget to a government agency that doesn’t exist without leaving more questions than answers?” he asked.
Atiku warned that the explanation provided by Gbajabiamila undermines public trust in the government’s fiscal management.
The ADC candidate described the situation as a “colossal budgetary fraud” that cannot be brushed aside with “weak and unconvincing explanations.”
He emphasized that the credibility of the entire budget is at stake and called for decisive action.
“Good Governance… Transparency and Accountability”
Atiku recommended that Gbajabiamila be suspended immediately and that an independent investigation be launched to uncover the truth.
He stressed that accountability must not be selective, urging Tinubu to demonstrate that his administration is committed to the rule of law.
“Good governance is based on transparency and accountability, and you can’t achieve that by protecting your family and friends.
“President Tinubu must lead by example by holding his Chief of Staff to the same standards of accountability as other public officials.
“N27 billion is not a joke. The rule of law must prevail in this issue.
“Let President Tinubu prove to Nigerians that he is sincerely committed to accountability in his administration,” Atiku declared.
Impact of the Scandal
The allegations have ignited widespread debate across Nigeria.
Civil society groups, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens are demanding clarity on the budgetary allocations and the role of senior government officials in safeguarding public funds.
Analysts warn that the scandal, if not addressed transparently, could erode confidence in Tinubu’s administration.
It could also deepen public skepticism about the government’s anti-corruption stance.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on President Tinubu to see whether he will act decisively in response to Atiku’s challenge.
Whether he will set a precedent for accountability within his government or risk further damage to his administration’s credibility.
