Gbajabiamila under fire over ‘scatter ADC’ remark

Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, has come under criticism over remarks widely seen as encouraging internal disruption within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, made the comment while speaking at the 50th birthday celebration of the wife of Hon. Leke Abejide in Abuja.

The ADC is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, with rival factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will not recognise either faction, citing a recent Appeal Court ruling.

A video from the event, which surfaced online on Monday, showed Gbajabiamila urging Abejide, who is aligned with the Bala Gombe faction, to remain in the party and intensify internal resistance.

In the clip, he said, “I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party, ADC. Do not abandon them.

“We like what you are doing. Continue. Don’t mind what the former governor said, that they will come and join the APC. No, no, no. Stay in ADC. Win your re-election in the ADC, and you will.

“Bring Gombe, what’s his name again? Bala Gombe. Bring him. Do the right thing. You are a fighter. Do the right thing. Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you have built with your sweat, your money, and everything. Continue. Good luck in court.”

The remarks generated backlash online, with critics accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of encouraging political interference in opposition parties.

On X, a user, Charles Darwin, wrote, “Foolish people, I was seeing this man like a responsible person.”

Another user, Matthew Beckley, said, ‘APC thinks this is 2023, when “Baba” said, “Snatch and grab it.”‘ Their eyes will clear.” 

Another user, Thanos, said, “I don’t blame them; I blame INEC and the judiciary.”