PFIPC: SDP Chairman Demands Gbajabiamila's Immediate Resignation

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Professor Sadiq Gombe, has called for the immediate resignation of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, due to the crisis surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, which is plagued by issues of budgetary allocation and operations.

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Gombe made this statement while answering questions from journalists on Thursday in Abuja, following the party's National Executive Committee, NEC meeting, emphasizing that Gbajabiamila's position is untenable given the magnitude of the allegations against him.

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According to Gombe, Gbajabiamila should step aside not only as chairman of the PFIPC but also as Chief of Staff to the President, to allow for a proper independent probe into the allegations, which would enable him to prove his innocence beyond reasonable doubt.

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Gombe also expressed concerns over the composition of the membership of the harmonisation of state policy, questioning how the President could justify appointing Gbajabiamila to lead such an important committee despite the allegations against him.

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The SDP chairman stressed the need for decorum and sensitivity to the country's diversity, particularly with elections approaching, and noted that the statistics of the 12-member committee for the review of the state police showed a disproportionate representation from one part of the country, with nine members coming from the same region.

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Gombe emphasized that individuals accused of crimes of such magnitude should step down, and that there are many competent Nigerians who can handle such responsibilities, adding that the current attitude of the government is not conducive to a healthy democracy.

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The Chairman of SDP State Chairmen and Lagos SDP chairman, Femi Olaniyi, also spoke about the scandal surrounding the PFIPC, describing it as disappointing and a big mess that has lost track and control.

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Olaniyi expressed doubts about the ability of the current government to get things right, particularly with the case already in court, and chose not to comment further on the agency.

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Regarding the forthcoming elections, Olaniyi advised candidates that winning elections requires a ward-by-ward and street-by-street approach, and encouraged them to build a team of credible people, focus on real issues, and work towards a strong National Assembly.

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Olaniyi charged state chairmen to organize, reconstitute, and strengthen their state, LGA, and ward executives, ensuring that every ward has a functional SDP office and a visible presence, and to mobilize for voter registration, PVC collections, and membership drives.

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He emphasized the need for the party to be aggressive and continuous in its efforts, to take the SDP to the marketplaces and streets, and to settle internal differences to present a united front, while also encouraging fundraising, training for agents, and early community mobilization activities.

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Olaniyi concluded by stating that the 2027 general election will be a referendum on Nigeria, and urged party members not to disappoint Nigerians, who are looking up to them for change.