Atiku Gives Tinubu 7-Day Ultimatum Over Alleged PFIPC Scandal, Demands Independent Probe

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Atiku warned that failure to launch a transparent probe within the stipulated period would strengthen public suspicion that influential figures within the Federal Government may have played a role in the alleged scandal.

In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President argued that the issue has gone beyond allegations of forgery or impersonation. According to him, the controversy now raises serious questions about the integrity and accountability of government institutions.

He challenged the Presidency’s position that the PFIPC never officially existed, asking how an agency described as fictitious could allegedly operate through government structures, secure office space, interact with public institutions, host foreign delegations, and reportedly process staff salaries without the knowledge or involvement of government officials.

“If the government’s explanation is that one individual single-handedly created an office, operated within government facilities, interacted with security agencies, and carried out official functions unnoticed, then such a narrative raises more questions than it answers,” Atiku stated.

While maintaining that Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi should face the law if found guilty of any wrongdoing, Atiku insisted that the focus should not be limited to one individual. He argued that investigators must also determine whether weaknesses or complicity within government institutions enabled the alleged operation.

The former Vice President further questioned reports indicating that the PFIPC was captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a multi-billion naira budget allocation and that over 300 personnel were allegedly approved for recruitment into the agency through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to him, such developments could not have occurred through mere administrative oversight, given the multiple stages involved in budget preparation, legislative approval, presidential assent, and civil service recruitment procedures.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve a comprehensive explanation of how an agency reportedly described as non-existent could allegedly pass through established government processes without raising red flags.

Quoting renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, Atiku argued that the Presidency should not place the entire blame on one individual while ignoring possible institutional failures that may have facilitated the alleged activities.

He also referenced fresh claims by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who has denied any wrongdoing and alleged that powerful individuals were attempting to silence him. Atiku said these allegations further justify the need for an independent investigation.

The ADC presidential candidate called on President Tinubu to immediately order a transparent and impartial inquiry, stressing that all relevant documents, approvals, financial transactions, and official actions should be examined.

According to Atiku, only an independent investigation can establish the truth, identify anyone who may have enabled the alleged operation, and restore public confidence in government institutions.