Atiku Abubakar Demands Independent Probe Into PFIPC Scandal

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar is demanding an independent bipartisan investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal. Atiku argues that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is attempting to protect government officials by framing the situation as a simple case of impersonation.

The controversy centers on Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the PFIPC, who was arrested for forgery and impersonation. While the Presidency characterizes Adeyemi as an impostor, Atiku points to evidence that the state provided him with diplomatic recognition, office space at the National Secretariat, and the ability to recruit over 300 personnel. Adeyemi has further alleged that he paid 400 million naira in bribes to secure his position, specifically naming Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

Atiku dismissed the government's internal probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission as "insufficient" and "self-serving." He highlighted a contradiction in the government's stance, noting that while the PFIPC is claimed to be non-existent, it allegedly received 1.3 billion naira in the 2026 budget. Additionally, Atiku questioned a 6.44 billion naira budget allocation for a World Cup Qualifiers support group, despite Nigeria's elimination from the competition in November 2025.