Former Vice President’s media office alleges Presidency is attempting to suppress questions surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council as State House insists agency never existed.
By John Ishaku – July 2, 2026
Dateline: ABUJA, Nigeria — A fresh political controversy has erupted around the Presidency after the Media Office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called for an independent forensic investigation into bribery allegations involving the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The demand follows allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is currently facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and the use of forged presidential documents.
While the Presidency has dismissed Adeyemi’s claims and described the agency at the centre of the controversy as fictitious, Atiku’s media office argues that several unanswered questions require an independent public investigation to preserve confidence in public institutions.
The allegations remain disputed, and no court has made findings establishing the bribery claims.
Background to the Controversy
The controversy stems from claims by Adeyemi, who insists he served as Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
According to Adeyemi, Gbajabiamila allegedly demanded ₦400 million, with an additional ₦200 million outstanding, to facilitate his appointment.
He further alleged that the Chief of Staff sought approximately 48 per cent of the agency’s reported take-off grant of ₦27.4 billion.
Adeyemi has challenged the Presidency to submit official documents allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff for forensic examination.
The Presidency has denied the allegations.
Presidency Rejects Allegations
In an earlier response, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that investigations involving the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Police Force established that Adeyemi was never appointed by President Tinubu or any recognised government authority.
According to the Presidency, the PFIPC is not a legally established federal agency, alleging that Adeyemi forged official documents to present himself as its Director-General.
Following the investigation, the Federal Government filed an eight-count criminal charge against Adeyemi at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Those proceedings remain pending.
Atiku Questions Government’s Narrative
In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku Abubakar’s Media Office challenged the Presidency’s explanation, arguing that the government’s position raises more questions than answers.
The opposition camp questioned how an agency now described as non-existent allegedly operated openly within government circles without attracting scrutiny.
Among the issues raised were claims that the alleged agency maintained offices within the Federal Secretariat, interacted with senior government officials and was reportedly associated with budgetary allocations contained in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The statement asked government authorities to clarify how such activities could occur if the agency never legally existed.
Questions Over Budget and Official Recognition
Atiku’s media office also questioned reports suggesting that the PFIPC obtained a budget code and an allocation of approximately ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 federal budget.
The statement argued that if confirmed, such developments would require explanations regarding institutional oversight, budget preparation and legislative scrutiny.
A1NEWS International has not independently verified the claims regarding budgetary allocation.
Reference to Meetings With Public Officials
The statement further argued that Adeyemi could not reasonably be described as operating entirely outside official circles.
According to the opposition, Adeyemi was publicly photographed and reportedly held meetings with several prominent public officials, diplomats, traditional rulers and prospective investors.
The statement specifically referenced engagements allegedly involving the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede.
The statement argued that these public interactions warrant further clarification regarding the status of the organisation Adeyemi claimed to represent.
The officials mentioned have not been accused of wrongdoing in relation to the allegations.
Call for Independent Forensic Investigation
Atiku’s media office insisted that the seriousness of the allegations requires more than official statements denying wrongdoing.
It called for an open, transparent and independent forensic investigation into the bribery allegations and the broader controversy surrounding the PFIPC.
According to the statement, all individuals connected with the matter—including executive and legislative officials where necessary—should cooperate with investigators if invited.
The opposition also maintained that Adeyemi should receive a speedy and transparent trial to establish the facts surrounding the case.
Death of Alleged Intermediary Raises Further Questions
The statement also referred to the death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, described by Adeyemi’s supporters as an alleged intermediary in the appointment process.
Without alleging criminal responsibility for the death, Atiku’s media office argued that the circumstances further reinforce the need for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the entire controversy.
Authorities have not publicly linked Tanimola’s death to any criminal conduct by those named in the allegations.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
The latest exchange comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s media office argued that unresolved controversies involving public institutions risk undermining public confidence in governance and electoral participation if left unanswered.
It urged judicial authorities to ensure that all pending legal issues connected with the controversy are resolved transparently before Nigerians return to the polls in 2027.
Presumption of Innocence Applies
As investigations and court proceedings continue, it is important to note that the allegations against all parties remain unproven.
Neither Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila nor any other public official named by Atiku’s media office has been found liable by any court in connection with the bribery allegations.
Similarly, the criminal charges against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi remain before the court, where he is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The controversy surrounding the alleged activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council has evolved into a broader political and legal dispute involving questions about institutional oversight, public accountability and the credibility of official narratives. While the Presidency maintains that the agency never legally existed and has prosecuted the man claiming to head it, Atiku Abubakar’s media office insists that only an independent forensic investigation can establish the facts. With criminal proceedings already underway and political tensions rising ahead of the 2027 elections, the outcome of the case is likely to attract sustained national attention.
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