RismadarVoice Reporters, April 22, 2026
Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, has strongly criticized the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over comments he made urging Hon. Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and “scatter them.” Frank described the statement as reckless and a potential threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Frank warned that such remarks coming from a high-ranking government official could incite internal crises within opposition parties and erode confidence in democratic institutions. He argued that encouraging factional conflict undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s multiparty system.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Gbajabiamila at the 50th birthday celebration of the wife of Hon. Leke Abejide in Abuja. In a viral video from the event, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives was heard advising Abejide to stay within the ADC despite its ongoing leadership disputes. “Hold on to your party… scatter them,” Gbajabiamila said, adding, “A party that you have built with your sweat, your money, and everything. Continue. Good luck in court.”
The ADC has been embroiled in factional disagreements, with Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yet to officially recognize either faction pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.
Frank contended that Gbajabiamila’s comments go beyond casual political banter, especially given his proximity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the remarks raise serious constitutional concerns and suggest a possible “infringement on the independence of the judiciary.”
He further warned that insinuations about court outcomes or influence could damage public trust in Nigeria’s legal system. Frank added that the comments reinforce growing suspicions of executive interference in opposition party crises, citing ongoing tensions within parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), in addition to the ADC.
Escalating his response, Frank called on the United States Government to investigate and potentially sanction Gbajabiamila, whom he described as an American citizen and “a bad ambassador” of the United States. He also demanded the Chief of Staff’s immediate resignation, arguing that similar comments in the U.S. would compel a public official to step down.
Frank disclosed plans to petition the United States Embassy in Nigeria, emphasizing that political leaders must demonstrate humility, constitutional awareness, and respect for the separation of powers in a democratic system.
