PFIPC Controversy: I Have Never Betrayed Tinubu’s Trust, Says Gbajabiamila

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has denied any involvement in the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that he has never betrayed the trust reposed in him by the president.

Gbajabiamila made the remarks on Saturday during his 2026 Mega Empowerment Programme held at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, where he addressed allegations linking him to the activities of the purported organisation.

He said the controversy had subjected him to months of accusations and attacks on his reputation, but maintained that the findings of the investigation, now available to the public, had vindicated him.

“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.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives expressed appreciation to his supporters for standing by him throughout the controversy, stressing that due process had prevailed despite pressure from some quarters for his condemnation before the investigation was concluded.

“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,” Gbajabiamila stated.

He further declared that neither blackmail nor what he described as sponsored attacks would distract him from carrying out his responsibilities in the presidency

“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.

Gbajabiamila also warned individuals allegedly using his name to defame others or misrepresent his position that they could face legal consequences.

Reaffirming his longstanding political relationship with Tinubu, the chief of staff maintained that his loyalty to the president remained unwavering.

“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 declared

The controversy followed investigations into the purported PFIPC, with the House of Representatives committee reporting that it found no evidence linking Gbajabiamila to the establishment or activities of the organisation.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, commended Gbajabiamila for maintaining close ties with his constituents.

Hamzat also canvassed support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that the ability to organise and manage a political party was an important consideration in national leadership.

The empowerment programme, which targeted approximately 5,000 residents of Surulere, featured cash grants, electric vehicles, tricycles, minibuses, security patrol vehicles and an ambulance, among other items intended to support beneficiaries and their businesses.