By Santiki John Gursa

The remarks were made at the 50th birthday celebration of Abejide’s wife in Abuja.

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has sparked widespread criticism following comments captured in a viral video, where he advised a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and “scatter” the party.

The remarks were made during the 50th birthday celebration of Abejide’s wife in Abuja.
A video from the event, which surfaced online on Monday, shows Gbajabiamila  a former Speaker of the House of Representatives  encouraging the lawmaker to intensify internal conflicts within the already divided opposition party.

The ADC is currently facing a leadership crisis, with multiple factions competing for control. Abejide is aligned with the Nafiu Bala-led faction of the party.

Speaking in the viral clip, Gbajabiamila said: “I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party ADC. Do not abandon them.”
He further advised Abejide to disregard calls to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating: “Don’t mind what the former governor said they will come and join APC. No, no, no. Stay in ADC. Win your re-election in ADC and you will… Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you’ve built with your sweat and your money and everything. Continue. Good luck in court.”

The comments have since drawn strong reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where several users accused the ruling party of attempting to destabilise opposition groups.
One user, Isah Ishola, criticised the remarks, saying they reflect “politics of destruction” and diminish the dignity of the presidency. Another user, Oluwadamilare, described the statement as “a fight against democracy,” while Lapai Boy commented that political dominance is temporary.

Additional reactions followed a similar tone. A user identified as Thanos blamed institutions such as the electoral body and judiciary, while TrendPHD expressed confidence that attempts to weaken the ADC would not succeed.

The controversy underscores growing concerns about political rivalry and internal instability within opposition parties in Nigeria as they prepare for future elections.

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