A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the United States government to investigate and sanction the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over alleged actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Frank’s demand followed a viral video in which Gbajabiamila was quoted as telling Hon. Leke Abejide during his wife’s 50th birthday celebration: “Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing… stay in ADC and win your election… bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court.”
Describing the remarks as reckless and dangerous, Timi Frank said they point to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties and erode democratic institutions.
“Your statement, as Chief of Staff, raises serious concerns about the determination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to truncate democracy,” he said, adding that “inference can be made that there is an infringement on the independence of the judiciary.”
He warned that any suggestion that courts could be influenced undermines public confidence in democratic institutions, stressing that references to political actors, including Leke Abejide, require clarification to avoid “dangerous interpretations.”
Frank further argued that Gbajabiamila’s comments suggest the Presidency’s involvement in crises affecting opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“When a Chief of Staff speaks, it reflects the body language of the President. This points to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition and consolidate power,” he said.
He also alleged that state influence, including the use of the judiciary, is being deployed against opposition parties. “The audacity of the statement suggests nothing will happen even if opposition parties are destabilised. That is dangerous,” he added.
Describing Gbajabiamila as “an alter ego of the President” who has “displayed the arrogance of power,” Frank insisted that public office holders must exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law and constitutional order.
He further urged U.S. authorities to probe Gbajabiamila’s activities and financial dealings.
“As an American citizen, he should be held accountable. We want to know if he is meeting his tax obligations in line with his earnings in Nigeria,” Frank said, describing him as “a bad ambassador of the United States.”
“We want to be sure that all earnings, including those from official and business engagements in Nigeria, are properly declared and taxed,” he added.
On accountability, Frank maintained that resignation was the only honourable option.
“We call for your resignation with immediate effect. If such a statement were made in the United States, the official involved would have resigned forthwith,” he said.
He disclosed plans to petition the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, stressing that “those entrusted with leadership must reflect humility, constitutional awareness and respect for separation of powers.”
“Power is transient, but institutions must endure. Any comment that diminishes their independence must be corrected,” he added.
The call comes amid growing concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s multiparty system and allegations of mounting pressure on opposition parties.
