The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said investigations into allegations against him and his office have cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Gbajabiamila made the disclosure on Saturday in Lagos while speaking at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment Programme in Surulere, where about 5,000 residents benefited from cash grants, vehicles, equipment and other forms of support.
Reflecting on the allegations, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives said the past few months had been challenging but expressed appreciation to those who stood by him during the period of scrutiny.
“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.
Gbajabiamila said investigations conducted by relevant security and anti-corruption agencies eventually found no evidence of wrongdoing on his part.
“At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain,” he said.
The allegations followed investigations into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). Gbajabiamila appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026 as part of the investigation.
The ICPC subsequently reported that it found no evidence linking Gbajabiamila or his office to the purported organisation or the appointment of its alleged director-general.
Gbajabiamila also commended President Tinubu for allowing the investigations to take their course rather than acting on the allegations before the conclusion of the process.
“I must thank my principal, President Bola Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigation. He refused and insisted on due process,” he said.
The Chief of Staff said the experience should not discourage young Nigerians aspiring to hold public office, noting that public service could sometimes come with difficult challenges and scrutiny.
“For those who seek high office, especially our young ones, sometimes this is the high price you have to pay and sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged,” he said.
He further said he would remain focused on his responsibilities despite what he described as attempts to distract him.
“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,” Gbajabiamila said.
He also warned individuals using his name to defraud members of the public, saying they would eventually face the law.
Meanwhile, Gbajabiamila disclosed that the empowerment programme was worth about N1.15 billion and was designed to support residents of his Surulere constituency.
The beneficiaries included 3,905 people who received N250,000 each and another 348 beneficiaries who received N500,000 each.
The programme also provided 61 electric vehicles, 50 electric tricycles, 60 minibuses and 100 laptops, alongside four Toyota HiAce 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, a medical ambulance and two additional vehicles.
Gbajabiamila said the initiative was intended to help beneficiaries establish or expand businesses, reduce transportation costs and improve livelihoods.
He explained that the programme, initially scheduled for June, was postponed to allow organisers to verify submissions from wards, community associations and trade groups.
“In June, earlier this year, we shifted this event. It was not an easy decision, but I wanted to ensure everything sent in by wards, and trade associations were properly checked,” he said.
“I did not want anyone to collect what was meant for another person.”
He also highlighted the continued operation of the Gajarai transportation service, which provides free transportation for students and discounted services for elderly residents.
According to him, the inclusion of electric vehicles was part of efforts to promote cleaner transportation and reduce operating costs.
“This was deliberate. Step by step, this administration is keeping to the commitment to renewable and clean energy,” he said.
Gbajabiamila added that plans were underway to install electric vehicle charging stations, which he said would create additional economic opportunities for residents.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained committed to connecting with citizens and addressing their needs at the grassroots.
Hamzat said the party’s strength was partly driven by the efforts of elected representatives to maintain close relationships with their constituents.
“That is why our party is the party of the people,” he said.
He added that political engagement should extend beyond elections to include sustained interaction between elected officials and citizens.
“So our party understands that our political party was formed just to take care of our people. And that’s what we are doing,” Hamzat said.
