Gbaja Network for Asiwaju 2027 has defended Femi Gbajabiamila over his recent remark advising Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress and “fight and scatter” the party from within.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National President, Gideon Unazi, the group described the comment as “a bold and unapologetic expression of partisan conviction,” insisting that Gbajabiamila spoke as a committed leader of the All Progressives Congress.

The network said the advice to Abejide should be viewed within the context of competitive politics, where parties legitimately seek to outmanoeuvre rivals ahead of elections.

“Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s statement to Hon. Leke Abejide to remain in the ADC and fight and scatter the party is a clear demonstration of his loyalty to the APC and his readiness to defend the progressive mandate,” the statement read.

“In politics, strategy is not a crime. It is the essence of contest. What Gbajabiamila expressed is what many politicians say behind closed doors, but he had the courage to say it openly.”

The group described Gbajabiamila as “a thoroughbred progressive who understands the mechanics of power and party competition,” adding that his position as chief of staff does not erase his political identity.

According to the network, expecting a leading APC figure to offer advice that would strengthen an opposition party is unrealistic.

“Expecting a leading APC figure to offer guidance that strengthens an opposition party is unrealistic. Gbajabiamila’s position reflects clarity, not confusion,” Unazi said.

The group also criticised Bode George for condemning the comment, describing his reaction as “predictable outrage lacking in political honesty.”

“Chief Bode George’s criticism is ironic. Nigerian politics has never been a playground of innocence. Parties organise, strategise, and yes, seek to weaken their opponents. To single out Gbajabiamila for saying what is widely practised is disingenuous,” the statement said.

The network maintained that Gbajabiamila’s political career, from his time in the National Assembly to his current role in the presidency, has been marked by consistency and forthrightness.

“He is not a man who speaks from both sides of his mouth. Nigerians know where he stands, and that is a strength in a political climate often clouded by ambiguity,” it added.

Reaffirming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition, the group said Gbajabiamila remains central to advancing the administration’s agenda.

“Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila has once again shown that he is a loyal party man and a strategic thinker. His words may be blunt, but they reflect the competitive spirit that drives democracy,” Unazi said.

“We stand firmly with him and commend his courage to speak plainly in defence of the APC and its future.”