ADC Rejects Tinubu’s ICPC Probe of PFIPC Scandal, Demands Independent Judicial Inquiry

By Emmanuel Kwada

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the unfolding Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, insisting that only an independent judicial panel can guarantee a credible and transparent probe.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the opposition party argued that the gravity of the controversy requires an inquiry that is completely detached from the executive arm of government, warning that an investigation conducted by a government agency could undermine public confidence in the process.

The ADC noted that it had earlier called for an independent investigation and cautioned against attempts to portray the scandal as the actions of a lone individual. According to the party, the President’s decision to order an investigation effectively validates its position that the matter cannot simply be dismissed without thorough scrutiny.

However, the party expressed concern that assigning the probe to the ICPC, an agency under the executive branch, creates the perception that the government is investigating itself.

“A Presidency that is at the very heart of a historic scandal such as this does not have the credibility to authorise an investigation into a matter that has brought an entire country into disrepute,” the statement said.

The ADC urged President Tinubu to establish an independent panel comprising respected Nigerians to conduct the inquiry, arguing that such a move would help restore public trust in the government’s commitment to accountability.

Questions Over Alleged Forgery Claims

The opposition party also faulted the Presidency for appearing to have reached conclusions before the commencement of investigations, particularly regarding claims that appointment letters and official documents linked to the scandal were forged.

According to the ADC, one of the key objectives of the investigation should be to determine whether the documents cited by Mr. Adeyemi were genuinely issued by the Presidency, fraudulently obtained, improperly issued, or forged.

The party warned that official statements declaring the documents fake before the completion of investigations could prejudice the outcome and compromise the credibility of the process.

“The investigation must be allowed to independently determine the authenticity of the documents and follow the evidence wherever it leads,” the ADC stated.

The ADC further argued that if the investigation is expected to scrutinise officials and institutions connected to the Presidency, then all relevant offices should be subjected to equal examination.

The party specifically called on President Tinubu to direct his Chief of Staff to proceed on leave pending the conclusion of investigations, saying such a step would demonstrate transparency and prevent any perception of interference.

According to the ADC, allowing key officials who may be connected to the matter to remain in office during the probe could weaken public confidence in the integrity of the investigation.

The opposition party also demanded assurances that the findings of any investigation would be made public.

It maintained that Nigerians deserve full disclosure of the facts surrounding the PFIPC controversy and argued that a report submitted solely to the President would fall short of public expectations for transparency.

Condemnation of Arrest

The ADC additionally condemned the reported arrest of Mr. Adeyemi’s father, describing the development as troubling and urging authorities to ensure that investigations remain focused on established facts and due process.

The PFIPC controversy has generated widespread public debate, with calls from political stakeholders and civil society groups for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the appointments, documents, and officials allegedly linked to the matter.