The Gbaja Network for Asiwaju 2027 has defended Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, after he told Leke Abejide, a federal lawmaker from Kogi state, to stay in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and “fight and scatter” the party from the inside.
The group, whose national president is Gideon Unazi, said in a statement on Friday that the comment was a “bold and unapologetic expression of partisan conviction.” They said that Gbajabiamila spoke as a committed leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The network said that the advice to Abejide should be seen in light of the fact that parties in competitive politics try to outsmart each other before elections.
“Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s message to Hon. Leke Abejide to stay in the ADC and fight and break up the party shows that he is loyal to the APC and ready to defend the progressive mandate,” the statement said.
“In politics, strategy is not a crime.” It is the heart of the contest. Many politicians say what Gbajabiamila said behind closed doors, but he was brave enough to say it out loud.
The group said that Gbajabiamila has never lied about his political views, calling him “a thoroughbred progressive who knows how power works and how parties compete.”
It also said that being chief of staff doesn’t change his political identity and that he is still an important person in shaping the APC’s strategic direction.
The group says that calls to condemn the comment ignore the fact that in Nigeria’s political climate, parties are always trying to get ahead of each other.
“Expecting a top APC member to give advice that makes an opposition party stronger is not realistic.” “Gbajabiamila’s position shows clarity, not confusion,” Unazi said.
The network also made fun of Bode George, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for criticizing the comment, calling his reaction “predictable outrage lacking in political honesty.”
“It’s funny that Chief Bode George is criticizing. Politics in Nigeria has never been a place for innocent fun. Parties plan, organize, and yes, try to make their opponents weaker. It is dishonest to single out Gbajabiamila for saying what is common, the statement said.
The group said that Gbajabiamila’s political career has been consistent, from his time in the national assembly to his current role as president.
The network said that Gbajabiamila’s “forthrightness” is one of the things that has earned him respect in the APC and beyond.
“He is not a man who says one thing and means another.” The statement went on to say, “Nigerians know where he stands, and that is a strength in a political climate that is often unclear.”
The network said again that it backs President Bola Tinubu’s goal of a second term and that Gbajabiamila is still important to moving the administration’s agenda forward.
The group said it would keep getting people to support leaders who show “clarity of purpose and unwavering commitment to progressive politics.”
“Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila has shown again that he is a loyal party member and a strategic thinker.” “His words may be harsh, but they show the competitive spirit that drives democracy,” Unazi said.
“We fully support him and praise his bravery in speaking out clearly in defense of the APC and its future.”
The group told politicians to work on making their platforms stronger instead of reacting to “frank political expressions.” They also said that democracy thrives on competition, not pretending.
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