PFIPC scandal enters new phase as fresh evidence emerges

The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has taken a fresh twist following the emergence of official documents indicating that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) approved the participation of the council’s embattled Director-General, Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi, at the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS) held in August 2025.

The development came as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of fostering what he described as a disturbing pattern of governance scandals, while the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project demanded full disclosure of documents relating to the allocation of over N1.3 billion to the controversial body in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The Presidency had earlier dismissed the PFIPC as a non-existent government agency, alleging that Adeyemi fabricated official documents and claims regarding the council’s existence. It subsequently directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the matter and prosecute any government officials found to have aided the alleged scheme.

However, a newly surfaced document reportedly signed by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, paints a different picture.

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According to the document, Adeyemi was formally authorised to join the Nigerian delegation to the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit scheduled for August 3 to 8, 2025.

The letter stated that the summit would promote Nigeria’s economic agenda through digital finance and technology, strengthen bilateral trade relations and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

It further directed Adeyemi to register for the programme and mobilise other stakeholders, noting that his technical expertise and participation would strengthen Nigeria’s delegation.

The document also advised him to liaise with the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office in the OSGF and the CAFS organising committee for further details.

The latest revelation has intensified the controversy surrounding the alleged PFIPC and heightened public scrutiny of the disagreement involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Adeyemi.

Atiku Faults Tinubu Administration

Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar said Nigeria had reached a stage where scandals were no longer isolated incidents but had become recurring features of governance.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President challenged President Bola Tinubu to publicly clarify issues relating to his age, educational qualifications and family background, noting that such matters had remained subjects of public litigation for years.

According to Atiku, unresolved controversies ranging from humanitarian intervention programmes, alleged crude oil theft, refinery rehabilitation expenditures, procurement disputes and budget discrepancies have collectively created a troubling pattern that continues to erode public confidence in government.

PDP Demands Independent Investigation

Similarly, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party called on President Tinubu to order an independent forensic investigation into the PFIPC controversy.

In a statement signed by its Interim National Working Committee spokesman, Mr. Ini Ememobong, the PDP argued that the Presidency could not avoid accountability over allegations involving Gbajabiamila.

The party maintained that the conflicting narratives from the Presidency and Adeyemi presented two troubling possibilities, either a serious institutional failure or corruption within the highest levels of government, insisting that Nigerians deserve a transparent investigation.

SERAP Seeks National Assembly Records

Also reacting, SERAP urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to release certified copies of all documents relating to the approval of N1,302,978,784 reportedly allocated to the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The organisation also requested records identifying members of the National Assembly committees that considered the allocation, as well as details of officials who defended the budget proposal before lawmakers.

SERAP further asked the National Assembly to clarify whether the allocation originated from the Executive’s Appropriation Bill or was introduced during legislative consideration, and whether lawmakers raised concerns regarding the legal status of the council before approving the budget.

The rights group argued that the conflicting accounts regarding the PFIPC raised serious concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s appropriation process, legislative oversight, transparency and public financial management.

SERAP warned that it would initiate legal proceedings should the requested information not be released within seven days, maintaining that Nigerians have a constitutional right to know whether public funds were appropriated for an entity that was not lawfully established.

The controversy continues to generate national attention as questions persist over the legal status of the PFIPC, the authenticity of official documents associated with it, and the circumstances surrounding the allocation of public funds to the disputed body.

The Presidency is yet to issue an official response to the latest OSGF document at the time of filing this report.