Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a transparent, independent investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), amid allegations of fraud, budget irregularities, and bribery involving top government officials.
In a statement issued by his media office on Thursday, Atiku challenged the Presidency’s claim that the PFIPC is a non-existent “ghost” agency. He questioned how such an outfit could allegedly operate from the Federal Secretariat, under the supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, secure a budget code, and receive a ₦1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 national budget without detection.
The controversy escalated after presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who presents himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, and the organisation itself as fraudulent.
Atiku’s statement highlighted that Prince Adeyemi had reportedly held meetings with senior government figures, including House Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, diplomats, traditional rulers, and potential investors. These engagements, the statement argued, contradict the idea of a purely fictitious entity.
Bribery Allegations and Call for AccountabilityThe former Vice President specifically demanded that Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other implicated officials publicly clarify their roles in the matter. He insisted that a mere press statement is inadequate to address the serious claims.
Particularly, Atiku pointed to unaddressed allegations that Prince Adeyemi claimed to have paid ₦400 million in bribes to Gbajabiamila. He urged a full forensic investigation into this claim and the broader scandal.
“The Tinubu presidency cannot continue to be judges in cases involving themselves or their cronies,” the statement read. “Nigerians are tired of a series of unresolved scandals under the watch of Tinubu.”
Atiku further called for the swift trial of Prince Adeyemi and the invitation of key executive and legislative figures to explain their involvement. He emphasised the need for judicial resolution before the 2027 general elections to prevent erosion of public trust.
This latest intervention by Atiku adds to growing public scrutiny over governance, transparency, and accountability in the handling of public funds and high-level appointments. The Presidency has previously dismissed the allegations against Gbajabiamila as fabrications by a criminal syndicate.
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