ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday called on President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to temporarily vacate office pending investigations into allegations linking him to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), warning that retaining him in office could erode public trust.
The party also criticised President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Gbajabiamila as chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill despite the unresolved allegations, describing the move as inappropriate at a time the administration should be promoting transparency and accountability.
The position was adopted during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national secretariat in Abuja.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, argued that public officials facing weighty allegations should voluntarily step aside to allow independent investigations to proceed without interference.
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According to him, allowing such officials to continue occupying strategic public offices sends the wrong signal about the government’s commitment to accountability.
Gombe questioned the rationale behind appointing Gbajabiamila to head the committee responsible for developing the legal framework for state policing while allegations against him remain a subject of public debate.
He further expressed concern over the composition of the 12-member committee, alleging that it did not adequately reflect Nigeria’s federal character and regional diversity.
The SDP chairman maintained that appointments into sensitive national assignments should promote inclusiveness and inspire confidence across all parts of the country, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He insisted that Gbajabiamila should relinquish not only his position as chairman of the state policing committee but also his role as Chief of Staff until the allegations are fully investigated and resolved.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Lafia Central Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Solomon Akwashiki, urged caution, saying he would reserve his comments until investigations by the relevant authorities are concluded.
Akwashiki, however, stressed the need for justice and transparency, adding that Nigerians deserve to know the truth behind the allegations.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing investigations by the Presidency and the National Assembly would provide clarity on the matter.
Similarly, the Chairman of SDP State Chairmen and the party’s Lagos State governorship candidate, Femi Olaniyi, described the controversy as unfortunate, accusing the Tinubu administration of failing to effectively manage issues capable of undermining public confidence.
Olaniyi noted that since the matter is already before the court, he would refrain from making detailed comments but expressed doubts about the administration’s handling of the controversy.
The criticism comes barely two days after President Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill following the Senate’s passage of the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026.
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Represented at the inauguration by Gbajabiamila, the President named his Chief of Staff to lead the committee tasked with preparing the legal and operational framework for the proposed state police system.
Other members include the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The latest criticism also follows allegations that Gbajabiamila allegedly received N400 million through a proxy in connection with appointments linked to the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, claims the Presidency has repeatedly denied.
President Tinubu had earlier defended his Chief of Staff, expressing confidence in his integrity and describing the allegations as an orchestrated attempt to tarnish the reputation of one of his closest aides.