Atiku Gives Tinubu Seven Days to Order Independent PFIPC Probe

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has given President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to order what he described as a transparent, comprehensive and independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). He warned that failure to do so would deepen public suspicion over the scandal.

In a statement issued through his media office, Atiku argued that the Presidency's internal explanations were insufficient to address concerns raised by the reported existence of the PFIPC, which allegedly appeared in the 2026 budget despite government claims that the agency never legally existed. He insisted that only an independent panel involving respected civil society groups, the Nigerian Bar Association and opposition parties could establish the full truth.

The former vice president maintained that the controversy raises serious questions about accountability, transparency and the integrity of public institutions. He urged the Federal Government to allow investigators to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without shielding any individual or institution from scrutiny.

Atiku further warned that if the President failed to initiate an independent inquiry within seven days, many Nigerians would interpret the silence as evidence that influential individuals were being protected. He stressed that restoring public confidence requires openness, impartiality and a credible investigative process rather than official statements alone.

The ultimatum comes as the PFIPC controversy continues to dominate political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the Presidency has already directed anti-corruption agencies to investigate aspects of the matter, opposition figures continue to demand a broader, independent probe to determine how the alleged fake agency operated within government structures.