Backlash Trails Gbajabiamila’s ‘Scatter Them’ Remark Amid ADC Crisis, Raising Democratic Concerns. By Amb Anderson Osiebe

 

Femi Gbajabiamila

"The timing and tone of the remark have raised eyebrows, particularly given Gbajabiamila’s current position within the Presidency and his influence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)."...... Say Observers

Widespread criticism has erupted across Nigeria’s digital space following remarks by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, urging a federal lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to remain within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and intensify internal battles.

The comment, captured in a now-viral video from a private event in Abuja, has amplified concerns about political interference, as Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle.

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, made the controversial statement at the 50th birthday celebration of Hon. Leke Abejide’s wife. Addressing the lawmaker who is reportedly aligned with a faction led by Nafiu Bala, he urged him to “stay in ADC,” “fight them,” and “scatter them,” while expressing confidence in his political resilience.

The statement comes at a time when the ADC is grappling with internal divisions, with multiple factions jostling for control of the party’s structure and leadership.

Observers say the timing and tone of the remark have raised eyebrows, particularly given Gbajabiamila’s current position within the Presidency and his influence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The video triggered swift backlash on social media, where many Nigerians accused the APC-led government of encouraging the destabilization of opposition parties.

Critics argue that such rhetoric, especially from a senior government official could erode democratic norms and deepen public distrust in political institutions.

“This is not just political banter,” one Abuja-based analyst noted. “It feeds into a broader perception that the ruling party is more interested in weakening opponents than strengthening governance.”

Supporters of the administration, however, have downplayed the controversy, describing the remarks as informal and taken out of context.

What It Portends for Nigeria’s Democracy

The incident underscores deeper structural concerns within Nigeria’s democratic system:

1. Weakening of Opposition Politics;

A vibrant democracy depends on strong opposition parties capable of providing alternatives and holding the government accountable. Encouraging internal crises within such parties risks narrowing political choices for citizens.

2. Blurring of State and Party Lines;

Gbajabiamila’s role as Chief of Staff places him at the heart of executive power. His comments, critics argue, blur the line between governance and partisan strategy, raising questions about whether state influence is being used, directly or indirectly, in party politics.

3. Institutional Trust Deficit;

Nigeria is already grappling with skepticism surrounding electoral credibility and governance. Incidents like this may reinforce public perception that political outcomes are shaped more by manipulation than merit.

4. Normalization of Political Sabotage;

If such strategies become normalized, analysts warn, it could entrench a culture where political success is achieved not through policy innovation or public service, but through internal disruption of rivals.

The ADC’s current instability has made it particularly vulnerable to external influence. Factional disputes reportedly involving competing leadership claims have weakened party cohesion, creating openings for strategic maneuvering by both insiders and external actors.

Political watchers note that internal party democracy remains a longstanding challenge across many Nigerian parties, often leading to litigation, parallel congresses, and leadership tussles.

As at now, neither Gbajabiamila nor Abejide has issued an official clarification regarding the viral clip. The APC has also remained silent on the matter, while opposition voices within the ADC are reportedly holding consultations.

Civil society groups are expected to weigh in, with some already calling for clearer boundaries between state authority and partisan politics.

With political alignments already shifting ahead of the 2027 general elections, the controversy highlights the fragile nature of Nigeria’s multiparty system. For many observers, the central issue is not merely what was said but what it represents: a political environment where competition may increasingly hinge on internal destabilization rather than ideological contest.

As the debate continues, the incident may serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles, particularly fairness, transparency, and respect for opposition integrity.

Whether the Presidency addresses the controversy or allows it to fade may further shape public perception in the months ahead.

Amb. Anderson Osiebe,  Executive Director,  HallowMace Foundation Africa,  Public Policy Expert and an Administrator writes from Abuja. 

God Bless Nigeria!