The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) intensified on Friday as prominent Nigerians, opposition parties, and civil society groups demanded an independent investigation into the agency, which the Presidency has described as non-existent despite reportedly receiving a ₦24 billion allocation in the 2026 national budget.
Among those calling for a full probe are human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). They also urged President Bola Tinubu to ask his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.
How the controversy began
The scandal erupted after the Office of the Chief of Staff, on June 11, 2026, disowned Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who had been presenting himself as Director-General of the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).
The Presidency maintained that neither body legally exists, stating that forged appointment letters linked to Adeyemi prompted a petition to security agencies in October 2025. Adeyemi is currently facing charges of forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence before the Federal High Court.
However, Adeyemi has denied all allegations, insisting he was legitimately appointed and calling for an independent presidential panel to investigate the matter. He also claimed that the courts would determine the authenticity of his appointment.
Falana questions government narrative
Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM, Femi Falana described the Presidency’s explanation as one that has exposed Nigeria to “unprecedented ridicule.”
He questioned how an agency the government now describes as fictitious allegedly secured office space within the Federal Secretariat, opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, had more than 300 civil servants posted to it, and reportedly received a ₦24 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Falana argued that such developments could not have occurred without institutional approval, insisting that both the Executive and the National Assembly owe Nigerians clear explanations.
He also called for an independent investigation into the role of Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, saying stepping aside would ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the probe.
Atiku gives Tinubu seven-day ultimatum
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has given President Bola Tinubu seven days to order what he described as a transparent, comprehensive, and independent investigation into the scandal.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the controversy had evolved beyond allegations of forgery into a major institutional credibility crisis.
He questioned how an individual could allegedly establish an office within government premises, engage foreign diplomats, interact with public institutions, process salaries, and operate official accounts without the knowledge or cooperation of government officials.
According to him, if public records indeed show that PFIPC received billions of naira in the 2026 budget and obtained approval to recruit over 300 staff, Nigerians deserve a full explanation.
Atiku warned that failure to launch an independent investigation would only reinforce public suspicion that influential figures within government benefited from the alleged scheme.
ADC demands judicial panel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate establishment of an independent Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the scandal.
The opposition party listed 10 government officials, agencies, and institutions it believes should be investigated, including:
- Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila
- Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi
- Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume
- Head of the Civil Service Didi Esther Walson-Jack
- Director-General of the Budget Office Tanimu Yakubu
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Office of the National Security Adviser
- Department of State Services (DSS)
- Nigeria Police Force
- Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation
The ADC argued that the Presidency’s explanation failed to answer critical questions about how the agency allegedly secured budgetary allocations, staff recruitment approvals, diplomatic engagements, and official recognition across multiple government institutions.
NDC alleges institutional failures
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) described the revelations as deeply disturbing, saying they raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and governance.
The party questioned how a body described by the Presidency as fictitious could allegedly open accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria, recruit hundreds of civil servants, and appear in the national budget.
The NDC also demanded the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff to allow an impartial investigation while urging anti-corruption agencies—including the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police Force—to commence a comprehensive probe.
Civil servants recount experiences
Meanwhile, reports indicate that at least three civil servants deployed to the PFIPC by the Office of the Accountant-General in August 2025 have been listed as prosecution witnesses.
According to their statements, they resumed work at the agency but were never assigned any official responsibilities or documentation.
The officers said they shared a single office and attended work only occasionally because there was no meaningful activity. They also disclosed that they had never heard of the agency before receiving their deployment letters.
Fresh calls over intermediary’s death
Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank has also called for a forensic investigation into the death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, who has been described as a key intermediary in the alleged appointment and bribery scandal.
Frank said Nigerians deserve answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death, particularly given allegations linking him to the activities of Prince Adeyemi and claims that the PFIPC operated with official vehicles, police escorts, office accommodation, and other government privileges despite being described as a non-existent agency.
The growing controversy has intensified pressure on the Federal Government to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the origin, operations, funding, and legal status of the PFIPC, as demands for an independent investigation continue to mount.
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