PFIPC scam: Atiku knocks FG over Adeyemi’s arrest, condemns N6.44bn World Cup budget

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), alleging that the Bola Tinubu administration is attempting to manipulate the narrative and shield officials linked to the scandal.

Atiku described the arrest of the self-acclaimed PFIPC Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, as a calculated move aimed at shifting blame to the opposition instead of uncovering the full facts of the case.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said this in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Atiku, who said the controversy extends beyond the alleged actions of Adeyemi, questioned how an organisation the Presidency now describes as non-existent allegedly gained access to top government institutions, secured diplomatic recognition, recruited over 300 personnel, obtained office space at the National Secretariat and reportedly received public funding, including an alleged N1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

He argued that such activities could not have taken place without official backing or a major failure of government oversight.

“The scandal is not merely that one man allegedly impersonated public authority. The greater scandal is that the Tinubu administration allegedly opened the doors of the Nigerian state to him and allowed him to operate with the appearance of official legitimacy,” Atiku said.

The former vice president also questioned a N6.44 billion allocation in the 2026 budget for a “Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers,” despite Nigeria having been eliminated from the qualification race in November 2025, before the budget was presented to the National Assembly.

He described the provision as evidence of questionable budgeting and called for an explanation of who inserted, approved and intended to benefit from the allocation.

“How does a serious government budget N6.44 billion for World Cup qualifiers after Nigeria had already been eliminated?” he asked.

Atiku said the allocation reinforced concerns that the federal budget had become a vehicle for wasteful and unjustifiable spending.

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Atiku, therefore, warned that the PFIPC controversy could damage Nigeria’s international reputation if not properly addressed and accused the administration of attempting to suppress facts and protect those who should be held accountable.

Atiku maintained that the investigation ordered by President Tinubu and assigned to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) would not inspire public confidence because the allegations involve senior government officials.

He insisted that the scandal should be investigated by an independent body rather than the government itself.

The former vice president also criticised the decision to order a fresh investigation into issues already before a court, arguing that it raised concerns about possible interference with the judicial process.

The ADC presidential candidate called on the National Assembly to establish an independent bipartisan panel to investigate every aspect of the PFIPC scandal, while urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations, the diplomatic community, and other stakeholders to resist any attempt to cover up the matter.

Atiku added that Nigerians deserve to know who authorised the PFIPC, facilitated its access to government institutions, secured its office accommodation, obtained diplomatic recognition, and approved budgetary allocations connected to its operations.

He said only a transparent and credible investigation would restore public confidence and ensure accountability.