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By Lawrence Agbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent investigation into corruption allegations levelled against President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a statement released on Tuesday through the Atiku Media Office and shared by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, the former vice president said the claims were serious enough to warrant a transparent inquiry, stressing that no public official should be shielded from accountability.
Atiku’s call follows a report by Peoples Gazette alleging that Gbajabiamila facilitated the diversion of oil and gas royalties from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) through what the publication described as an unlawful presidential approval. Gbajabiamila has not publicly responded to the allegations, while the claims have not been independently verified.
According to Atiku, the controversy is not a partisan matter but one that speaks to the integrity of public institutions and the country’s anti-corruption campaign.
“This issue goes beyond partisan politics. It is about the culture of impunity that continues to undermine the welfare and future of Nigerians,” he said.
The former presidential candidate accused the Federal Government of applying selective standards in its fight against corruption, arguing that opposition figures are often investigated while allegations involving senior government officials receive little attention.
He maintained that Gbajabiamila should be afforded the same treatment as any other public office holder accused of wrongdoing, including an impartial investigation that would allow him to respond to the allegations.
“You cannot claim to uphold the rule of law while some officials appear untouchable. Gbajabiamila should be independently investigated so he has the opportunity to clear his name,” Atiku stated.
To support his position, he cited the suspension of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that the move enabled an unhindered investigation.
Atiku further criticised what he described as the Tinubu administration’s inadequate response to corruption allegations involving top officials, saying the government risks losing public confidence if it fails to apply the same standards of accountability across board.
He added that public office should be a platform for service rather than personal enrichment, warning that corruption at the highest levels of government ultimately worsens the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila has yet to issue a public response to the allegations contained in the Peoples Gazette report, and no independent investigation has been announced.
