Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed allegations linking him to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that he never betrayed the President’s trust.
Gbajabiamila spoke on Saturday at his 2026 Mega Empowerment Programme at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, where he also addressed the controversy surrounding the purported organisation.
The Presidency had earlier stated that the PFIPC does not exist under the Tinubu administration and that Gbajabiamila’s office did not appoint its alleged director-general, Adeniyi Adeyemi.
The House of Representatives committee that investigated the controversy subsequently said it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila approved, established or participated in the activities of the purported organisation. The committee said available evidence indicated that he took steps to alert security and investigative agencies after concerns about the body were brought to his attention.
Gbajabiamila: I Never Betrayed Tinubu
Gbajabiamila said the investigations and reports are now in the public domain, stressing that due process prevailed despite calls for him to be condemned before the investigations were completed.
“The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned,” he said.
“Three years ago, the people of Surulere, the people of Lagos state, and those who love me in Nigeria, stood by me in their prayers and spoke up for me when it mattered. I will never forget that. I thank you all.
“The investigative reports are in the public domain. Many people wanted me to rush to judgement and give a verdict before the investigation. They refused and insisted on due process. Let me also say, Mr. President knows his chief of staff very well. Having worked closely with me for many years, he was therefore supremely confident that I was not in any way involved in those nefarious things.”
‘No Amount of Blackmail Will Detract Me’
The Chief of Staff said the allegations had not affected his commitment to his responsibilities at the Presidency.
“Let me speak plainly and directly to all those behind the attacks. No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do,” he said.
“And to anyone using my name to defame people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you.”
Gbajabiamila also reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu, saying their longstanding political relationship remained intact.
“In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most. I have been with Mr. President for many years. I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me. I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda is unshaken,” he said.
Hamzat Backs Tinubu’s Re-election
Also speaking at the event, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos election, commended Gbajabiamila for continuing to engage with his constituents. Hamzat secured the APC governorship ticket in May 2026.
Hamzat also called for Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that other candidates lacked the political experience and capacity required to lead Nigeria.
He said anyone unable to manage a political party could not effectively govern a complex country like Nigeria.
5,000 Surulere Residents Targeted
The empowerment programme targeted about 5,000 beneficiaries from communities in Surulere.
Items provided included cash, vehicles, electric tricycles, buses, security patrol vehicles and an ambulance. Reports from the event said the programme was designed to support residents and create economic opportunities.
The PFIPC controversy began after the Federal Government disowned the purported organisation in June, saying no such office existed under the administration and that no appointment had been made through Gbajabiamila’s office.
