The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an independent forensic investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the development as evidence of institutional failure, negligence, and weak oversight within the Federal Government.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the opposition party said the allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Presidency’s response had raised serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and presidential oversight.
The controversy stems from claims by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who identified himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, alleging that financial inducements were demanded and received in connection with his appointment and the operations of the council.
The Presidency, however, through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the claims, describing both the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) as fictitious entities. It further alleged that Adeyemi forged official documents and falsely presented himself as a government appointee.
Reacting to the development, the PDP argued that the Presidency’s explanation had only deepened concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of government institutions.
According to the party, if the claim that Adeyemi operated as an impostor is accurate, it would represent a monumental failure of state institutions, raising questions about how an unauthorised individual allegedly secured office accommodation, had personnel attached to his office, obtained budgetary provisions, operated accounts linked to official institutions, and engaged with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security bodies.
The party maintained that such a scenario would expose serious weaknesses in internal controls, background checks, and oversight mechanisms within the nation’s highest offices.
It further argued that if the alternative account—that financial inducements influenced appointments into the PFIPC—proves to be true, the matter would amount to another major corruption scandal requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
According to the PDP, either scenario is damaging to public confidence and reflects what it described as a recurring pattern of administrative failures under the current administration.
The party also cited previous controversies surrounding government appointments and other governance-related issues, insisting they point to broader institutional shortcomings within the federal system.
It argued that any responsible administration confronted with allegations of such magnitude should immediately commission an independent forensic investigation, suspend officials directly connected to the matter pending the outcome of the inquiry, implement systemic reforms to prevent similar occurrences, and provide Nigerians with a comprehensive explanation.
Specifically, the PDP called on President Bola Tinubu to order a forensic investigation by a reputable international firm, suspend key officials linked to the controversy pending the outcome of investigations, undertake 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 party further stated that the controversy had heightened concerns about presidential oversight and the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to safeguard public institutions from abuse, infiltration, and administrative failures.
It maintained that Nigerians deserve a government founded on transparency, competence, and accountability, stressing that only a credible and transparent investigation would restore public confidence in state institutions.
The PDP added that until the government demonstrates a willingness to hold public officials accountable, recurring controversies would continue to erode public trust and reinforce calls for a more responsible and effective system of governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.