By David Lawani, Abuja
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations that he received a ₦400 million bribe, insisting that the claims warrant an independent investigation.
Atiku also challenged the Presidency to explain the inclusion of ₦27.4 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), following reports that the Office of the Chief of Staff denied the agency’s existence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Atiku Media Office, the former vice president argued that the allegations raised fundamental questions about transparency, accountability and the integrity of the Federal Government’s budgeting process.
The opposition leader was reacting to allegations by the Director-General of the PFIPC, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who accused Gbajabiamila of involvement in a ₦400 million bribery scandal.
According to Atiku, the reported denial by the Chief of Staff that the PFIPC exists had only deepened public suspicion rather than resolving the controversy.
“How can ₦27.4 billion be appropriated to a government agency that is now being described as non-existent? That explanation raises more questions than it answers,” Atiku said.
He argued that if it is established that the agency does not exist, it would amount to a serious breach of public trust and cast doubt on the credibility of the 2026 national budget.
The former vice president described the controversy as one that could not be brushed aside with what he called “weak and unconvincing explanations,” insisting that Nigerians deserve full disclosure.
“This is not an allegation that should be treated with indifference. It goes to the heart of accountability and public confidence in government. The facts must be established through an independent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku urged President Tinubu to demonstrate impartiality by suspending his Chief of Staff pending the outcome of an investigation, stressing that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny.
“Good governance is built on transparency and accountability. You cannot promote those values while protecting friends and political associates. President Tinubu should lead by example by allowing an independent investigation. The rule of law must prevail,” he added.
He maintained that allegations involving public funds running into billions of naira should be thoroughly investigated to preserve confidence in government institutions and the nation’s public finance management system.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Atiku’s latest demand.
The allegations surrounding the PFIPC, the reported ₦400 million bribery claim and the disputed ₦27.4 billion budget allocation have continued to generate political debate, with opposition figures calling for a transparent probe into the matter.
