The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has intensified as the council’s Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, pledged to submit documents to security agencies to support investigations into the disputed ₦1.3 billion allocation contained in the 2026 budget.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the inclusion of the council in the national budget, despite the Presidency’s position that PFIPC is not a legally recognised government agency.
Speaking during an online interview with social media personality VeryDarkMan, Adeyemi said he was prepared to cooperate with investigators by providing all relevant documents in his possession to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force or any investigative panel established by the Federal Government.
He said the documents should be subjected to proper verification to determine the facts surrounding the controversy.
Adeyemi questioned how an organisation described by the Presidency as non-existent could have been listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
He also denied claims that he was responsible for inserting the budget allocation, explaining that he was in detention for 23 days during the budget preparation period and therefore could not have participated in drafting or defending the proposal.
“I am ready to assist security agencies or any panel set up by the President. I will submit every document in my possession so they can verify the facts and uncover the truth,” he said.
On allegations involving the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Adeyemi declined to make any direct accusation or defence, insisting that only an independent investigation could establish responsibility.
He further disclosed that he survived an attack by gunmen near Zuma Rock in September 2025, adding that his involvement with PFIPC was motivated by efforts to attract foreign investment into Nigeria.
House of Representatives Opens Probe
The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into how PFIPC secured a budgetary allocation of more than ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Lawmakers constituted an ad hoc committee to examine how the council allegedly passed through the budget process despite questions surrounding its legal status.
The committee was mandated to invite the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the Director-General of the Budget Office to explain the approval process and identify possible lapses.
The House also directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to suspend any release of funds to the council pending the conclusion of investigations.
Lawmakers further recommended that future appropriation bills should include a comprehensive list of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), alongside the legal instruments establishing them, to prevent similar occurrences.
Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Ahmed Satomi, described the controversy as a serious challenge to the credibility of Nigeria’s budget process.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu disclosed that his office had initially received documents presented by representatives of the group because they carried official government insignia and appeared authentic.
Senate Defers Action Pending ICPC Investigation
Unlike the House, the Senate has decided not to launch a separate investigation immediately.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, ruled that the chamber should await the outcome of the ICPC investigation before considering further legislative action.
The decision followed a motion by Senator Kawu Sumaila seeking a Senate investigation into the disputed allocation.
Barau noted that since the Presidency had already directed the ICPC to investigate the matter within 30 days, the anti-graft agency should be allowed to complete its assignment.
Political Reactions Continue
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the ICPC investigation, arguing that the Federal Government should not investigate a matter involving allegations connected to officials within the Presidency.
He called for an independent commission of inquiry involving representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), opposition parties, civil society organisations and retired judicial officers.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also questioned the credibility of the ICPC investigation, expressing concerns over the commission’s independence.
The party alleged that the Presidency had already reached conclusions by describing Adeyemi’s documents as forged before investigators completed their work.
ADC also condemned the reported arrest of Adeyemi’s father by security operatives, describing it as intimidation and calling for a transparent investigation.
The ICPC is expected to conclude its probe within the 30-day period set by President Tinubu, as public attention remains focused on how PFIPC was included in Nigeria’s 2026 budget despite questions over its legal status.
