Atiku to Tinubu: ‘Explain PFIPC Scandal’ — Demands Independent Probe into N1.3bn ‘Ghost Agency’

By Victor Idajili

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the Presidency has serious questions to answer over the alleged activities of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, PFIPC. He is calling for an independent forensic investigation. 

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the Atiku Media Office said the controversy is “another example of unresolved corruption allegations” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It urged the Federal Government not to treat the matter as an internal issue, but to open it to public scrutiny. 

The statement came after Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew and the PFIPC as fraudulent, saying the council is not an official government agency. 

Atiku’s team questioned how “an unknown state actor” could allegedly set up and run a “ghost” federal agency inside the Federal Secretariat — under the supervision of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation — without anyone noticing. 

They also queried reports that the group allegedly secured a budget code and N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act. 

“How did he secure a budgetary code and allocation of N1.3 billion in the 2026 national budget?” Atiku asked. 

According to the statement, Prince Adeyemi was seen publicly with several top officials, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, diplomats, traditional rulers, and prospective investors. 

The Atiku Media Office said both chambers of the National Assembly were also said to have exchanged official correspondence with the organisation — something it says must be investigated. 

“Those engagements raise questions about the government’s claim that the PFIPC was a non-existent agency,” it said. 

 
The statement said the Presidency has not addressed claims that Prince Adeyemi alleged he paid a N400 million bribe to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. 

“The Chief of Staff and others alleged to be involved cannot excuse themselves with a mere press statement,” the office said. “Public servants must be accountable. We demand a forensic public probe. No amount of government-speak or scented propaganda can clear this mess.” 

It also referenced the “mysterious death” of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, described as an alleged intermediary in the bribery and appointment scandal involving Gbajabiamila. 

“This is why a comprehensive probe into the #GbajabiamilaGate scandal is a necessity,” the statement added. 

Atiku’s office said Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability. It urged that everyone linked to the allegations, whether in the executive or legislature, be investigated.