Atiku Challenges Tinubu to Launch Probe into PFIPC Scandal
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has given President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to order what he described as a transparent, comprehensive and independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the matter had gone beyond allegations of forgery and now raised serious concerns about the credibility of public institutions and government oversight. The former vice president questioned the Presidency's explanation of the controversy, saying it failed to address key issues surrounding the alleged operation of the council. He wondered how the individual at the centre of the allegations could allegedly establish an office, operate from government premises, hold meetings with foreign diplomatic missions, engage with public institutions and reportedly process official activities without attracting the attention of relevant authorities. According to Atiku, while anyone found guilty of fraud should face the full weight of the law, it was equally important to determine whether weaknesses within government institutions enabled the alleged activities to occur. He also raised concerns over reports that the PFIPC was included in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budgetary allocation and that hundreds of personnel were allegedly approved for recruitment into the agency. According to him, such administrative processes involve several government institutions and require proper scrutiny. Citing reports that the principal figure in the controversy has denied wrongdoing and alleged attempts to silence him, Atiku maintained that only an independent investigation would establish the true facts of the matter and restore public confidence. He urged President Tinubu to immediately order a thorough inquiry into the allegations, warning that failure to do so within seven days could fuel public suspicion over the government's handling of the controversy.
The Presidency has previously dismissed allegations surrounding the PFIPC, insisting that the matter is being addressed through appropriate channels. However, the latest intervention by Atiku is expected to intensify calls for greater transparency as investigations into the controversy continue.
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