The controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, known as PFIPC, erupted after allegations surfaced that the agency operated as a fraudulent entity.
Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi claimed he paid substantial sums to secure his appointment as director-general. He alleged that he transferred 400 million naira through a proxy and faced demands for an additional 200 million naira.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, responded swiftly. He gave President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to order a transparent, comprehensive, and independent probe. Atiku spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
“The President must order a comprehensive, independent investigation immediately. Anything short of that will amount to complicity by silence,” Atiku stated. He warned that failure to act would deepen public suspicion that powerful interests in government benefited from the alleged fraud.
Atiku highlighted contradictions in the government’s position. While officials insisted the PFIPC never existed as a legitimate body, public records showed budgetary provisions for it.
Reports indicated approximately 1.3 billion naira allocated in the 2026 Appropriation Act, listed alongside the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. He also referenced claims of a larger 27.4 billion naira take-off grant tied to the agency.
Atiku further urged President Tinubu to suspend Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila pending the investigation. He described the scandal as exposing institutional failures and a government held hostage by fraudsters.
Atiku argued that the Presidency’s defense raised more questions than answers about how the alleged fake agency secured offices, bank accounts, and interactions with foreign diplomats.
The development added pressure on the Tinubu administration to address concerns over governance and transparency in public appointments. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians deserved full accountability in the matter.
