PFIPC scandal: ADC rejects Tinubu’s probe, demands independent panel

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s decision to hand the investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, scandal to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, insisting that only an independent judicial panel can ensure a credible outcome.

The position was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on July 8, 2026.

According to the statement, the party acknowledged the President’s directive ordering the ICPC to investigate the alleged activities of the PFIPC but argued that assigning the probe to an agency under the Executive could undermine public confidence in the process.

“The Presidency that is at the very heart of a historic scandal such as this does not have the credibility to authorise an investigation into a matter that has brought an entire country into disrepute,” the statement read.

The ADC further called on President Tinubu to constitute an independent judicial panel, insisting that the investigation should determine whether the disputed appointment letters and official documents linked to the alleged council were forged, improperly issued or lawfully authorised.

The party also urged the President to direct his Chief of Staff to proceed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation if the inquiry would extend to officials within the Presidency, arguing that allowing key officials to remain in office could create the impression of interference.

In addition, the ADC demanded that the final report of the investigation be released in full to the public.

The party also condemned the reported arrest of the father of Adeniyi Adeyemi, describing the action as intimidation.

“If indeed, a crime has been committed, only the suspect can be legally arrested. It is an established fact that Nigerian law does not have provision for vicarious liability,” the statement added.

PFIPC scandal: ADC rejects Tinubu’s probe, demands independent panel