PFIPC scandal: NDC calls for Gbajabiamila’s removal, demands probe

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to allow for an independent investigation into allegations linking him to a corruption scandal involving the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party said it was concerned by claims made by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who described himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.

The NDC said the allegations, if proven, raise serious questions about transparency, accountability and administrative oversight within the Federal Government.

According to the statement, Adeyemi alleged that the PFIPC received budgetary allocations in the 2026 budget and operated a domiciliary account, a pounds sterling account, and a Treasury Single Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, despite claims by the Presidency that the agency does not exist.

The party questioned how an agency reportedly disowned by the Presidency could have opened multiple financial accounts and allegedly secured official approvals.

The NDC also referred to claims that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for the purported agency, saying the allegation warrants investigation to determine whether due process was followed.

The party further cited allegations by Adeyemi that he paid N600 million to secure his appointment through intermediaries, with part of the funds allegedly reaching the Chief of Staff. It also referenced claims that Gbajabiamila demanded a share of the agency’s take-off funding.

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The allegations have not been established in court, and Gbajabiamila has not publicly responded to them, according to the statement released by the NDC.

The NDC also expressed concern over the reported death of Babatunde Tanimola, described as an intermediary in the matter, as well as claims by Adeyemi that he survived multiple assassination attempts. The party called for a thorough investigation into both incidents.

Among its demands, the NDC urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to constitute an independent panel to investigate all aspects of the allegations, including the alleged operations of the PFIPC, budgetary allocations, financial accounts, staff approvals, and related transactions.

The party also called for the questioning of relevant officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

In addition, the NDC urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigeria Police Force to commence investigations into the allegations.

The party maintained that the allegations should be subjected to an independent and transparent investigation, stressing that any individual found culpable after due process should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.