The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called on Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, to temporarily step down from his public roles. This demand follows his appointment to chair the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, despite facing serious misconduct allegations.

During the SDP’s second National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, party leadership argued that Gbajabiamila should relinquish both his position as Chief of Staff and his leadership of the newly formed police committee. The party emphasized that maintaining his roles amidst ongoing investigations could severely damage public trust in the presidency and undermine the administration's democratic credibility.

Criticism was also directed at the composition of the 12-member committee tasked with drafting the legal framework for state police. The SDP alleged a significant regional imbalance, claiming that nine of the twelve members originate from a single region. Party officials warned that such lopsided representation is insensitive to Nigeria's diversity, particularly ahead of upcoming elections, and urged the administration to utilize other qualified citizens to handle the national assignment.

Other political figures have expressed a more cautious approach, suggesting that public commentary be withheld until official investigations or National Assembly probes yield definitive conclusions. However, there remains a consensus among critics that the situation highlights broader issues of accountability and justice within the current administration.

The controversy intensified just days after President Tinubu officially inaugurated the working group to implement the State Police Bill of 2026. The committee, which includes high-ranking officials such as the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Security Adviser, and the Inspector-General of Police, is vital to the nation's security architecture.

The calls for Gbajabiamila's resignation stem from unverified allegations connecting him to an unauthorized foreign intervention council and claims of financial impropriety regarding a public appointment. While the Presidency has firmly denied the accusations and defended Gbajabiamila's integrity, critics maintain that an independent probe is necessary to resolve the matter.