The Traffic

"The Power Struggle Behind the Throne: Who’s Really Gunning for Gbajabiamila?"

Yakubu Haruna Yakubu 

As Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, navigates the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics, a persistent and unseen force works tirelessly against him. While some see him as one of the nation’s most effective political operatives, others are determined to undermine his efforts, leaving many to wonder: Why is Gbajabiamila facing so much resistance?

Gbajabiamila, who once served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, is no stranger to controversy or political maneuvering. His rise to his current position as Chief of Staff was met with both admiration and envy, sparking a series of allegations and whispers about his influence within the corridors of power. Yet, despite the swirling rumors and criticisms, no tangible evidence has surfaced to support the claims against him, suggesting a deeper, more complex agenda at play.

In the THISDAY feature on October 8, Gbajabiamila was described as “notoriously popular,” a man whose every move has been scrutinized since assuming his new role. For those unfamiliar with Nigerian politics, it might seem like he’s some kind of mastermind pulling all the strings in the presidency. But those who know him well describe a more grounded figure—someone simply doing his job to the best of his abilities, though far from infallible.

The question then arises: If the allegations are unfounded, who are these forces conspiring against him? And why?

The “Resident Forces” at Play

Gbajabiamila’s critics can be grouped into what I call the “resident forces”—three distinct categories of individuals who, for various reasons, see him as a threat.

The Envious Lot: This group consists of those who have followed Gbajabiamila’s meteoric rise from the House of Representatives to his current powerful position. They envy his success and question why fate—or as they see it, luck—has favored him so much. They can’t reconcile themselves with the fact that he has consistently achieved what they could only dream of, leading to an unhealthy obsession with his downfall.

The Ambitious Few: These are the ones who feel they deserve his job. They watched as Gbajabiamila smoothly transitioned from Speaker to Chief of Staff and wonder, “Why him, again?” For them, his continued success is not just a professional slight—it’s personal. These individuals have aligned themselves with the envious group, working together to make his role more challenging, forgetting that his appointment is a reflection of his principal’s confidence, not theirs.

The Political Mind-Readers: Perhaps the most intriguing group, this category believes they have cracked the code on Gbajabiamila’s future. From his rise in the House of Representatives to his current role as Chief of Staff, they’ve already predicted his next move: the Lagos governorship. These “mind-readers” see Gbajabiamila not as a political figure of today, but as a looming future contender, and they’re determined to thwart him before he even announces his intentions.

Why the Obsession with Gbajabiamila?

The attacks on Gbajabiamila may seem unfounded, but they are deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political culture, where success breeds enemies. From day one, he has been the target of suspicion and envy, as many struggle to understand how he consistently rises above the fray.

But there’s more to the story. Gbajabiamila’s unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and his ability to execute delicate tasks effectively have made him an indispensable part of the administration. His close relationship with the president has only intensified the scrutiny, as those outside the inner circle view him as a gatekeeper—one whose position they covet.

In a country where power is both a prize and a peril, Gbajabiamila’s ability to maintain his influence in multiple roles has unsettled many. Yet, despite the rumors and the swirling forces against him, one thing remains clear: as long as President Tinubu continues to trust him, Gbajabiamila isn’t going anywhere.

The Way Forward

While the “resident forces” may continue to wage their silent war, it’s evident that Gbajabiamila’s resilience and focus have kept him ahead. His ability to rise above the noise, focus on his duties, and maintain the confidence of the president is a testament to his political acumen.

For those hoping to see his downfall, the message is clear: as long as Gbajabiamila stays on course, their efforts may well be in vain. Whether his future includes a bid for Lagos governorship or another role entirely, one thing is certain—Femi Gbajabiamila remains a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics.