A political group, the Gbaja Network for Asiwaju 2027, has defended Femi Gbajabiamila over his recent remark advising a federal lawmaker to remain within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and “fight and scatter” the party from within.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group described the comment as a legitimate expression of partisan politics, arguing that it reflects loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement, signed by the group’s national president, Gideon Unazi, said Gbajabiamila’s remarks should be viewed within the broader context of competitive political strategy.

According to the group, political parties routinely seek to outmanoeuvre opponents, particularly as elections approach, and such tactics are part of democratic contest.

“In politics, strategy is not a crime. It is the essence of contest,” the statement said, adding that the comment was a “bold and unapologetic expression of partisan conviction”.

Gbajabiamila’s remark was directed at a two-term member of the House of Representatives Leke Abejide, a member of the ADC, and has drawn criticism from some opposition figures.

Among them is Bode George of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who faulted the statement.

However, the Gbaja Network dismissed such criticism as politically motivated, arguing that similar strategies are widely practised across party lines.

The group further argued that Gbajabiamila’s role as chief of staff does not negate his political identity, describing him as a longstanding figure within the APC with a clear ideological position.

It said expecting a senior party figure to offer guidance that strengthens an opposition platform is unrealistic, noting that political actors are naturally inclined to advance their party’s interests.

The network urged political stakeholders to focus on strengthening their own platforms rather than reacting to what it described as candid political expressions.

It added that democracy thrives on competition and strategic engagement, not neutrality or “pretence”.

The group also reaffirmed its support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that Gbajabiamila remains central to advancing the administration’s agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.