The party queried how an organisation lacking formal recognition could operate within the framework of the nation’s apex financial system, raising concerns about possible institutional compromise
KaNo —
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday demanded the immediate removal of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to a purported scandal involving the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a statement dated July 3, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, the opposition party said it was “alarmed by the damning allegations of corruption” involving Gbajabiamila and one Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the controversial council.
The NDC alleged that the PFIPC, which it described as a non-existent agency, was used as a conduit to siphon public funds, allegedly with the “active collusion and facilitation” of the Chief of Staff.
It said the development raised serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“According to the allegations by Prince Adeyemi, the PFIPC received budgetary allocations in the 2026 budget and successfully opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account, and a Treasury Single Account, all domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The party queried how an organisation lacking formal recognition could operate within the framework of the nation’s apex financial system, raising concerns about possible institutional compromise.
“For an individual or organisation to open such high-level accounts, stringent documentation and due process are required. How then was a fictitious agency able to open multiple accounts without meeting these requirements?” the statement asked.
Beyond financial transactions, the NDC also raised alarm over claims that the alleged agency secured approval for hundreds of staff positions within the federal civil service structure.
“Equally disturbing is the claim that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for this supposedly non-existent agency,” the party said.
It argued that such a significant administrative action could not have occurred without the knowledge of top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and described the situation as indicative of systemic failure or complicity.
The statement also referenced allegations attributed to Adeyemi suggesting financial impropriety tied to the establishment of the agency.
In addition, the party cited claims that Adeyemi admitted to securing his appointment fraudulently by paying ₦600 million, with ₦400 million allegedly delivered through intermediaries linked to the Chief of Staff, while ₦200 million remained outstanding.
The NDC said these allegations pointed to a broader pattern of corruption, including the alleged monetisation of public appointments.
“These are not mere allegations; they suggest a deeply troubling system where public offices are auctioned to the highest bidder,” the statement said.
The party further argued that the unfolding controversy reinforced its position that corruption had become entrenched within the current administration.
“This scandal confirms fears that corruption has been institutionalised and legitimised as a mode of governance,” it added.
The NDC also drew attention to the death of Babatunde Tanimola, described as an intermediary between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.
According to the statement, Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025,just a day after a petition linked to the matter was received by the police.
It further cited claims by Adeyemi that his life had been under threat, including an alleged attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in September 2025.
As part of its demands, the party called for the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila from office to allow for what it described as a credible and unbiased investigation.
“His continued stay in office constitutes a clear conflict of interest and poses a threat to the integrity of any probe,” the statement said.
The party also urged President Tinubu to constitute an independent investigative panel to examine all aspects of the allegations, including the operations of the PFIPC, budgetary allocations, account openings, staffing approvals, and financial transactions.
In addition, the NDC called for a comprehensive investigation into the death of Tanimola and the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi.
The party further called for witness protection measures for Adeyemi and any other individuals who may provide information relevant to the investigation.
“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing defensive press statements as a means of deflection,” it said.
“Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness, justice, and accountability.”
The party stressed that anyone found culpable, regardless of their position, must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Presidency or the Office of the Chief of Staff regarding the allegations.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the Federal Government initiates a formal investigation or dismisses the claims as politically motivated.
