The Tanimu Turaki led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for an independent forensic investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
It described the development as evidence of institutional failure, negligence and poor oversight within the federal government.
The opposition party, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Presidency’s response, had raised serious questions about accountability, transparency and presidential oversight.
The controversy arose from claims by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who identified himself as Director-General of the PFIPC), that financial inducements were demanded and received in connection with his appointment and the operations of the council.
But the Presidency, through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, debunked the allegations and described both the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) as fictitious bodies, claiming that Adeyemi forged official documents and unlawfully paraded himself as a government appointee.
Reacting to the development, the PDP said the Presidency’s explanation only deepened concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of government institutions.
If Adeyemi indeed operated as an impostor, the party said, it would be a monumental failure of state institutions, raising questions as to how an unauthorised individual could allegedly secure office accommodation, have personnel attached to his office, obtain budgetary provisions, operate accounts linked to official institutions and engage with agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security bodies.
The opposition party argued that such a scenario would reveal glaring weaknesses in internal controls, background checks and oversight mechanisms within the nation’s highest offices.
It also argued that if the alternative account is correct, that financial considerations were behind appointments into the PFIPC, then the matter would represent another major corruption scandal that needs urgent investigation and accountability.
The PDP said either result was damaging to public confidence and indicative of what it called a persistent pattern of administrative failures on the part of the current administration.
The party referenced past controversies over government appointments and other governance-related incidents, insisting that they reveal deeper institutional deficiencies within the federal system.
It said any responsible administration faced with allegations of such magnitude should immediately order an independent forensic investigation, suspend officials directly involved with the matter pending the outcome of investigations, and institute systemic reforms to prevent the recurrence of such and give Nigerians a full and complete explanation.
The opposition party specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to order a forensic investigation by a reputable international firm, announce the suspension of key officials linked to the controversy, embark on a comprehensive reorganisation of structures within the Presidency and issue an unreserved apology to Nigerians over what it described as a deeply embarrassing development.
The controversy has heightened concerns about presidential oversight and the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to safeguard public institutions from abuse, infiltration and administrative failures, according to the PDP.
The party insisted that Nigerians deserve a government built on transparency, competence and accountability, asserting that only a credible and open investigation would restore public confidence in state institutions.
It said until the government shows willingness to hold public officials accountable, recurring controversies would deepen citizens’ distrust and empower calls for a more responsible and effective system of governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
