Jul 8, 2026

Fake Presidential Agency Scandal: ADC Demands Independent Judicial Inquiry, Not ICPC"

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a full investigation into the controversial “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC) — a fictitious entity that secured ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 budget despite never being officially established.

In a strongly worded press statement on July 8, 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, welcomed the move but insisted that only a truly independent judicial panel can deliver credible answers to the many lingering questions surrounding this embarrassing scandal.

Heart of the Scandal

The PFIPC saga exploded after revelations that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew operated as its self-appointed Director-General, forging documents and claiming presidential backing.

The impostor allegedly used the fake agency to seek diplomatic recognition, open multiple bank accounts, and facilitate questionable activities before his arrest.

President Tinubu’s directive to the ICPC tasks the agency with probing forged documents, bank accounts, fund movements, and any involvement by public officials or institutions.

The investigation must conclude within 30 days, with a report submitted directly to the President.

ADC’s Strong Reservations

While acknowledging that the President has now accepted the need for investigation — a position the ADC had earlier advocated — Bolaji Abdullahi raised critical concerns about the chosen mechanism:

An executive-controlled body like the ICPC investigating a matter at the heart of the Presidency risks being perceived as compromised.
The Presidency’s statement appears to prejudge key issues, such as labeling documents as forged before any probe.
The Chief of Staff to the President should step aside during the investigation to avoid any perception of influence.
Full, unredacted findings must be made public to restore confidence.

The ADC also condemned the reported arrest of Adeyemi’s father, describing it as intimidation and a violation of principles against vicarious liability.

The party warned that targeting ordinary individuals while shielding powerful actors would undermine the entire exercise.

Broader Implications for Governance and 2027

This scandal has triggered widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians viewing it as symptomatic of deeper rot in the system.

It comes at a time when the administration faces mounting criticism over economic hardships, budget opacity, and questions of transparency.

For the ADC, which is positioning itself as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, the PFIPC affair represents an opportunity to highlight perceived failures in accountability under the current government.

The party described the episode as a national security and reputational issue that must not be swept under the carpet.

Political analysts note that how the Presidency handles this probe — whether through genuine openness or perceived damage control — could significantly shape public perception as the electoral cycle intensifies.

As calls for an independent judicial inquiry grow louder from opposition voices and civil society, the coming weeks will test the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and restoring trust in Nigeria’s institutions.

Nigerians, weary of recurring scandals, are watching closely for concrete actions rather than mere pronouncements.