The opposition party described the arrangement as inappropriate, arguing that it undermines elected public officials by placing them under the leadership of an unelected presidential aide.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu's decision to appoint his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to lead a Federal Government delegation that includes five serving state governors to an investment conference in Canada. 

The opposition party described the arrangement as inappropriate, arguing that it undermines elected public officials by placing them under the leadership of an unelected presidential aide.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed the party's position in a post shared on his verified X account on Saturday while reacting to reports that President Tinubu had approved the delegation for the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference in Toronto. 

"Just when you think that you have seen the worst of this Tinubu government, they will just surprise you," Abdullahi wrote.

"How can the President's Chief of Staff, an unelected personal aide of the president, lead elected state governors on a foreign mission? It is well."

The criticism followed an announcement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) that President Tinubu had approved a high-powered delegation to represent Nigeria at the investment conference scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, from August 12 to 15.

Just when you think that you have seen the worst of this Tinubu government, they will just surprise you.

How can the President’s Chief of Staff, an unelected personal aide of the president, lead elected state governors on a foreign mission?

It is well. pic.twitter.com/DetiPUySnE

— Bolaji Abdullahi (@BolajiADC) August 7, 2026

According to NiDCOM, the delegation will be led by the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

It will also include Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.

Also listed as members of the delegation are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The conference, themed "Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad," is expected to bring together government officials, investors, members of the Nigerian diaspora and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria and strengthen economic ties with Nigerians living abroad.

Although the Presidency has not publicly explained why Gbajabiamila was selected to head the delegation, the appointment has generated debate on social media, with critics questioning whether a presidential aide should lead elected governors on an official international assignment.

Supporters of the administration, however, have argued that the Chief of Staff serves as one of the President's highest-ranking representatives and is authorised to coordinate official government engagements on behalf of the Presidency.

The latest criticism from the ADC adds to a series of attacks by opposition parties against the Tinubu administration over governance, appointments and the exercise of executive authority since the President assumed office in May 2023. 

The Presidency has consistently defended its decisions, maintaining that they are guided by administrative efficiency and the national interest. 

Source: SaharaReporters