The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into fresh corruption allegations against President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Office in Abuja, said the allegations should be thoroughly investigated in the interest of transparency and accountability, stressing that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny.
His reaction followed a report by The Gazette, which alleged that Gbajabiamila obtained approval to divert about N54bn in oil and gas royalty funds through what the publication described as a fabricated law. The allegations have not been independently verified, while the Chief of Staff had yet to publicly respond as of the time of filing this report.
The former Vice-President said the claims should not be dismissed because they involve a senior government official entrusted with public responsibility.
“This issue goes beyond partisan politics; it is about confronting the culture of corruption that continues to deprive ordinary Nigerians of the benefits of good governance,” Atiku said.
He also accused the Federal Government of applying double standards in its anti-corruption campaign, alleging that opposition figures are swiftly investigated while officials within the current administration are allegedly protected from similar scrutiny.
“You cannot claim to uphold the rule of law while treating some public officials as untouchable,” he stated.
Atiku recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, after corruption allegations surfaced against him, arguing that the same standard should apply to Gbajabiamila.
According to the statement, previous allegations have also been made against the President’s Chief of Staff over the years, adding that the latest claims make it necessary for an impartial investigation to establish the facts and allow him the opportunity to defend himself.
The ADC presidential candidate urged the Federal Government to demonstrate fairness in its anti-corruption drive by ensuring that all public office holders, regardless of political affiliation or position, are held accountable under the law.
