Opposition party calls for independent probe, witness protection and investigation into alleged sale of appointments linked to non-existent government agency.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged corruption scandal involving the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could undermine any credible investigation into the allegations and called for his immediate suspension to allow an independent probe.
The NDC alleged that the PFIPC, which the Presidency reportedly denied exists, was used to divert public funds despite allegedly receiving allocations in the 2026 budget and operating multiple financial accounts, including domiciliary accounts and a Treasury Single Account (TSA).
The party questioned how an agency described as non-existent could allegedly secure government funding, open accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria and receive approval for 314 staff positions from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service.
The allegations stem from claims made by Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who identifies himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC. According to the NDC, Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at over ₦27.3 billion.
The party also cited allegations that Adeyemi secured his appointment after allegedly paying ₦600 million through intermediaries, with ₦400 million reportedly paid and an outstanding balance of ₦200 million.
Describing the allegations as serious, the NDC called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including its budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and staff recruitment.
It also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The opposition party further requested forensic examination of official documents signed by the Chief of Staff since assuming office and called for the questioning of officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service over their alleged roles.
The NDC also called for witness protection for Adeyemi and demanded a thorough investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, described as an intermediary in the matter, as well as the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi.
The party maintained that anyone found culpable, regardless of status, should face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Note: The allegations remain claims made by the NDC and Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi. No court has determined the allegations, and those accused have not been found guilty of any wrongdoing.