Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has given President Bola Tinubu seven days to order an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Atiku said the President’s silence on the matter could further weaken public confidence in his administration.

The demand follows allegations linked to a ₦27.4 billion allocation in the 2026 budget for the PFIPC.

The controversy deepened after Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila reportedly stated that the agency does not exist as a recognised government institution.

In a statement issued by his media office on Friday, Atiku questioned how billions of naira could be budgeted for an agency said to be non-existent.

He argued that the conflicting claims have raised serious concerns about the credibility of the 2026 national budget.

Atiku insisted that the allegations are too serious to be dismissed with official denials.

He called on President Tinubu to immediately order an independent investigation into the matter.

The former Vice President also urged the President to suspend Gbajabiamila while the investigation is ongoing.

According to Atiku, public officials should be held accountable regardless of their position or relationship with the President.

He maintained that transparency and accountability are essential to good governance.

The controversy began after Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, alleged that he was asked to pay a ₦400 million bribe through intermediaries to secure official backing for the council.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations and maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

The allegations have sparked public debate, with many Nigerians questioning why ₦27.4 billion was allocated to an agency whose legal status is being disputed.

Atiku said the outcome of the matter will serve as a major test of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.