Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has condemned comments attributed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over a viral video in which he was seen making remarks about internal disputes in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Frank, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, described the comments as reckless and potentially dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that they could fuel internal tensions within opposition parties.
He also urged the United States government to look into the conduct of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, alleging that his actions could undermine democratic institutions.
The controversy stems from a video recorded at the 50th birthday celebration of the wife of Hon. Leke Abejide in Abuja, where Gbajabiamila was seen addressing party supporters amid ongoing leadership disputes within the ADC.
In the footage, Gbajabiamila was heard urging Abejide to remain in the ADC and “fight” within the party, a comment that has since triggered political backlash.
The ADC has been embroiled in internal crisis in recent months, with rival factions laying claim to its leadership. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to recognise any of the competing camps pending legal resolution.
Reacting, Frank argued that the Chief of Staff’s comments carried deeper constitutional implications, given his position in government.
He alleged that the remarks suggested possible interference in opposition party affairs and raised questions about the independence of democratic institutions.
Frank said such statements, if left unchallenged, could erode public confidence in governance and the judiciary.
He further accused the presidency of indirectly attempting to weaken opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the ADC.
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According to him, “When a Chief of Staff speaks, it reflects the body language of the President,” insisting that the comments should not be dismissed as casual political remarks.
Frank also described Gbajabiamila as overly influential within the presidency, alleging that his conduct reflects “arrogance of power” and a disregard for constitutional boundaries.
He called on the U.S. authorities to investigate the presidential aide, arguing that as an American citizen, he should be held accountable for actions that may affect democratic governance in Nigeria.
In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila was heard encouraging Abejide to resist external influence and remain active within the ADC, insisting that he should “fight” for control of the party.
Frank has since demanded Gbajabiamila’s resignation, maintaining that such statements would not be tolerated in more established democracies and should be taken seriously by both local and international authorities.