Nigeria’s Presidency is facing one of its most intense political controversies in recent months after former presidential aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed demanded an independent judicial commission of enquiry into the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal.
The call has added fresh pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with the controversy reigniting national debate over transparency, accountability and the integrity of government institutions in Africa’s largest economy.
In a statement published on X on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed argued that the Federal Government should not investigate allegations involving officials linked to the Presidency, insisting that only an independent judicial panel can establish the full truth behind the affair.
He said the proposed commission should thoroughly examine every aspect of the controversy, including the actions of individuals connected to the Presidency and other government agencies.
According to Baba-Ahmed, the allegations point to a serious breach of institutional integrity and should be handled through an open and transparent process capable of restoring public confidence.
The controversy centres on Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. However, President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has repeatedly stated that the agency does not exist and denied any connection with Adeyemi.
Gbajabiamila disclosed that his office petitioned security agencies in October 2025 after forged appointment letters linked to the alleged agency surfaced. He added that Adeyemi was subsequently charged before the Federal High Court on allegations including forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
Adeyemi has rejected all allegations against him, maintaining that he will clear his name during court proceedings.
President Bola Tinubu has directed relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, but demands for an independent inquiry continue to grow, with critics arguing that such a process would strengthen the credibility of the investigation.
As the legal and political drama unfolds, the case is attracting growing attention across Nigeria and beyond, with analysts saying its outcome could shape public confidence in governance, institutional accountability and the fight against official misconduct.
