PFIPC: Tinubu Faces pressure to Drop ICPC Investigation, Order independent Probe

Civil society organisations, lawyers and public interest groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the directive asking the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

They argued on Sunday that the matter should instead be handled through an independent investigation to ensure fairness and public confidence.

The controversy began after Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be connected to the PFIPC, alleged that he received his appointment through the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He also claimed that the agency received budgetary allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act and operated with hundreds of workers in Abuja. Gbajabiamila has denied any connection to the agency and has filed a ₦10 billion defamation suit against Adeyemi, while Adeyemi continues to insist that the council is genuine.

Following President Tinubu’s instruction for the ICPC to investigate the matter and submit its report within 30 days, several organisations and legal practitioners questioned whether the commission could carry out a completely independent investigation after the Presidency had already made public comments on the issue.

Many of those who reacted said officials linked to the allegations should temporarily step aside while the investigation is ongoing. They argued that such a move would remove doubts about interference and allow investigators to work without pressure.

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice said public trust would depend on the openness and fairness of the investigation rather than the institution handling it. The organisation maintained that the findings should be released to Nigerians and anyone found responsible should face the law regardless of status or political affiliation.

The International Press Centre also stated that while the ICPC has the legal authority to investigate corruption allegations, an independent inquiry would have inspired greater confidence because of the level of public attention the matter has attracted.

ActionAid Nigeria also supported a transparent investigation, saying the important issue is whether the process is conducted without interference. The organisation noted that the outcome would only be accepted if Nigerians believe the investigation followed the facts and was free from outside influence.

Several human rights lawyers shared similar views. Some argued that although the President has the constitutional power to ask the ICPC to investigate, the commission must be allowed to perform its duties without political influence. They also insisted that the investigation should not end with a report alone but should lead to legal action against anyone found guilty.

Lawyer Deji Adeyanju maintained that the Presidency had already taken a position on the matter by publicly defending the Chief of Staff, making it difficult for many Nigerians to believe the investigation would be impartial. He called for Gbajabiamila to step aside while the investigation continues and urged Nigerians to closely monitor the process.

Another legal practitioner, Toluwa Odekhe, said the President’s directive was lawful because the ICPC has the legal powers to investigate corruption cases. However, he advised the commission to conduct its work openly, protect whistleblowers, make relevant documents available, and release its findings to the public to strengthen confidence in the outcome.

The calls for an independent investigation have continued as many Nigerians await the outcome of the ICPC probe into the allegations surrounding the PFIPC. The groups believe the case presents an opportunity for the government to show its commitment to accountability and transparency by ensuring that the investigation is free from political influence.