The organisation also claimed that there was alleged disagreement over funds which was responsible for a reported dispute between Gbajabiamila and Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
President Bola Tinubu has been asked to probe his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and order a full, independent and transparent investigation into allegations of misconduct and an alleged kickback request.
In an open letter addressed to the President and copied to the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT,
Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria), a civil society, Nigerians for Accountability and Integrity (NANI), said it was concerned about alleged irregularities surrounding the purported establishment and recognition of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The letter, signed by NANI’s Public Relations Officer, Hauwa Yelwa, claimed that there were unresolved contradictions between official denials of knowledge of the councils and their alleged inclusion in official government documents.
The group stated: “We demand the immediate suspension of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, pending the outcome of a full, independent, and transparent investigation into serious allegations relating to the purported establishment, recognition, and inclusion of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).”
According to the group, documents allegedly linked to the councils and provisions reportedly contained in the 2026 Appropriation Budget raise questions about governance, due process and accountability.
“Our investigations and collated reports have shown that there are unresolved contradictions between official denials of knowledge by Femi Gbajabiamila regarding these councils and their apparent inclusion in official state documentation, including provisions reportedly reflected in the 2026 Appropriation Budget,” the statement said.
NANI further alleged that it was in possession of evidence linking the Chief of Staff to the processing of grants earmarked for the councils.
The organisation also claimed that there was alleged disagreement over funds which was responsible for a reported dispute between Gbajabiamila and Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
In addition, the group alleged that individuals who attempt to raise concerns regarding the matter have faced intimidation and threats, and called for protection for potential witnesses.
The group said: “There are additional allegations circulating from multiple independent sources suggesting a recurring pattern in which access, appointments, or official facilitation within certain government structures are allegedly influenced through unofficial or monetised channels, only for such arrangements to later be disowned when controversies arise.
“It is also alleged that individuals who attempt to raise objections or report grievances in relation to such dealings are subjected to intimidation or threats. These are grave allegations that, if left unaddressed, risk undermining public confidence in the integrity of this government.”
NANI also expressed concern for the safety of Prince Matthew, alleging that he was reluctant to publicly discuss the matter due to fears for his security.
The group drew parallels with previous anti-corruption actions taken by the Federal Government, including the suspension of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, arguing that similar standards of accountability should apply to all public officials regardless of status.
The organisation urged the President to take five immediate steps, including the suspension of the Chief of Staff pending investigation, the establishment of an independent investigative panel, a comprehensive audit of all documentation and budgetary allocations linked to the councils, protection for whistleblowers and witnesses, and assurances that due process would be followed,” the group stated.
Copies of the letter were sent to several national and international organisations, including anti-corruption agencies, civil society groups, security agencies, diplomatic missions and multilateral institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Gbajabiamila had publicly responded to the allegations contained in the letter.
