ABUJA, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to mandate the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, insisting that only an independent judicial panel can ensure credibility and public trust.
The party stated this in Abuja through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, while reacting to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive ordering a probe into the controversy. The ADC argued that assigning the investigation to an agency under the Executive could undermine the integrity of the process.
“The President has accepted the central argument advanced by the ADC that this matter requires investigation and should not simply be explained away. However, by handing the investigation to the ICPC, an agency under the Executive, it creates the impression that the government intends to investigate itself,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the President’s decision to initiate an inquiry, the opposition party maintained that the nature of the allegations demands a fully independent and transparent process.
It urged the establishment of a judicial panel made up of respected Nigerians, noting that such a body would enhance public confidence and guarantee impartiality.
The ADC also raised concerns over statements from the Presidency which reportedly described documents linked to the controversy as forged even before investigations commenced.
According to the party, a key objective of the probe should be to determine whether the documents were forged, improperly issued, fraudulently obtained or legitimately authorised.
“It is important that investigators be allowed to follow the evidence wherever it leads without any predetermined conclusion,” the party stated.
The opposition party further called for comprehensive scrutiny of all individuals and offices connected to the matter, including the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, stressing that equal accountability would strengthen the credibility of the investigation.
On transparency, the ADC urged the Federal Government to make the final report of the investigation publicly available, insisting that Nigerians deserve full disclosure of findings and implementation of recommendations without bias.
The party also condemned the reported arrest of the father of Mr. Adeyemi Adeniyi, describing the action as intimidation and a violation of legal principles.
“If indeed a crime has been committed, only the person suspected of committing the offence should be subjected to arrest and prosecution,” the statement added.
The ADC maintained that the PFIPC controversy raises critical questions about public accountability and institutional integrity, urging the government to ensure that any investigation is independent, transparent and free from political interference.
