Fresh calls for accountability have emerged over the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), with opposition politicians, civil society groups and a senior lawyer urging the Federal Government to launch an independent investigation into the agency’s activities. The demands followed claims by the Presidency that the PFIPC was not a recognised government agency despite reports that it received a N24 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act and allegedly operated within government institutions.
The controversy began after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President disowned Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who had presented himself as Director-General of the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
According to the Presidency, security agencies were alerted in October 2025 after forged appointment letters surfaced. Adeyemi was subsequently charged before the Federal High Court on allegations including forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. Adeyemi has denied the allegations and maintained that he would clear his name in court. He also called for an independent investigation, claiming he was being targeted.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) questioned how an agency the Presidency described as non-existent could allegedly secure budgetary allocations, operate from government offices, open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria and receive civil servants. Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM, Falana said the government must explain how such developments occurred if the agency had no legal status. He also called for an independent investigation and urged that Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila step aside while any inquiry is conducted.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, gave President Bola Tinubu seven days to order what he described as a transparent, comprehensive and independent investigation. Atiku argued that the controversy had moved beyond allegations against one individual and now raised broader concerns about the credibility of public institutions. He questioned reports suggesting that the agency allegedly secured office accommodation, engaged government institutions and appeared in the national budget.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also demanded the establishment of an independent judicial panel of inquiry. The party listed several government officials and institutions it believes should be investigated, including the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Budget Office, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the Accountant-General, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant National Assembly committees.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) described the controversy as troubling, arguing that the reported opening of financial accounts and approval of staff positions for a body the Presidency says does not exist requires full public explanation.
The party called for the temporary removal of the Chief of Staff during investigations and urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to conduct a comprehensive probe. Meanwhile, former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, called for a forensic investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as a key intermediary in the unfolding controversy.
The Presidency has maintained that the PFIPC is not an official government agency and that criminal charges against Adeyemi are already before the court. However, the growing demands from political parties, legal experts and advocacy groups have intensified calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the agency’s reported operations, funding and official recognition.
