A political support group, the Gbaja Network for Asiwaju 2027, has defended the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over his controversial comment advising a federal lawmaker to remain in the opposition and destabilise it from within.
Gbajabiamila had reportedly told Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to stay in the party and “fight and scatter” it, a remark that has drawn criticism from opposition figures.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, the group’s National President, Gideon Unazi, described the comment as a reflection of political realism and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Gbajabiamila’s statement is a clear demonstration of his loyalty to the APC and his readiness to defend the progressive mandate. In politics, strategy is not a crime; it is the essence of contest,” Unazi said.
The group argued that the remark should be understood within the context of competitive politics, where parties seek to outmanoeuvre rivals ahead of elections.
“What he expressed is what many politicians say behind closed doors, but he had the courage to state it openly,” the statement added.
It maintained that Gbajabiamila’s position as Chief of Staff does not strip him of his political identity, describing him as a key figure in shaping the APC’s strategic direction.
According to the group, expecting a leading APC figure to offer advice that strengthens an opposition party is unrealistic.
“His position reflects clarity, not confusion,” Unazi said.
The group also criticised a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, for condemning the remark, describing his reaction as predictable.
“Nigerian politics has never been a playground of innocence. Parties organise, strategise, and seek to weaken their opponents. To single out Gbajabiamila is disingenuous,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, the group said Gbajabiamila remains central to advancing the administration’s agenda.
“His words may be blunt, but they reflect the competitive spirit that drives democracy,” Unazi added.
“We stand firmly with him and commend his courage to speak plainly in defence of the APC.”