Key Takeaways
- Adeniyi Adeyemi claims his public withdrawal was due to credible threats to his life, not to evade law enforcement.
- He vehemently denies suggestions of hiding amidst the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
- Adeyemi reiterates his explosive allegation of paying N400 million, through a proxy, to Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, to secure his appointment as the council's Director-General.
- The Presidency has officially denied the existence of the PFIPC, labeling it as a fictitious entity.
- Despite the denial, the 2026 Appropriation Bill reportedly lists an entity described as the “Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” with a significant N1.303 billion allocation.
- President Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the entire matter, while Gbajabiamila has threatened legal action against Adeyemi.
In a dramatic turn of events, Adeniyi Adeyemi, who asserts himself as the Director-General of the contentious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has re-emerged from public obscurity. Adeyemi broke his silence on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, refuting claims that he was evading law enforcement. Instead, he cited grave threats to his life as the primary reason for his temporary withdrawal from the public eye, stating, “I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger. There have been several attempts on my life.”
Explosive Allegations and Financial Claims
Adeyemi did not shy away from reiterating his highly controversial allegation that he paid a staggering N400 million to Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. This substantial sum, he claims, was channeled through a proxy to secure his purported appointment as the Director-General of the disputed council. When pressed on the source of such a considerable amount, Adeyemi asserted that the funds were borrowed. “I borrowed the money [N400 million] for this appointment. In fact, those that I borrowed from have reported to the EFCC,” he revealed, suggesting a trail of financial transactions that could be investigated.
His public appearance followed an earlier call for President Tinubu to establish an independent panel to thoroughly investigate the escalating controversy. Adeyemi expressed his unwavering readiness to present his evidence and defend his claims under judicial scrutiny. “If I’m wrong, let the court of law do that, and if I’m right, let the court of law do that; do the right thing,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment to due process.
Presidency's Firm Denial and Counter-Measures
The allegations have, however, been met with a strong rebuttal from the Presidency. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga categorically denied the existence of the PFIPC, dismissing it as a "fictitious" entity. Onanuga explained that concerns about an alleged council operating at cross-purposes with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) first surfaced in October 2025. Following this, Gbajabiamila reportedly petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, alleging the use of forged appointment letters and the activities of individuals impersonating government officials.
In response to Adeyemi's persistent claims, Gbajabiamila has threatened legal action, signaling a potential high-stakes legal battle. Meanwhile, President Tinubu has taken the matter seriously, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the entire affair, underscoring the gravity with which the administration views these accusations.
A Curious Budgetary Discrepancy
Adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding saga is a significant detail from the published 2026 Appropriation Bill. The bill reportedly lists an entity described as the “Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” with an allocation of N1.303 billion. This budgetary entry appears to contradict the Presidency's outright denial of the PFIPC's existence, raising pertinent questions about the council's true status and the allocation of public funds.
As the controversy deepens, Adeyemi's re-emergence and steadfast insistence on his claims, coupled with the Presidency's firm denials and the curious budgetary listing, set the stage for a thorough and potentially revealing investigation. The nation awaits clarity on the true nature of the PFIPC and the veracity of the serious allegations made against a top presidential aide.
Why This Matters
This unfolding scandal is critical as it touches upon the integrity of presidential appointments, government transparency, and the potential misuse of public office. The allegations, denials, and contradictory budgetary information demand a swift and impartial investigation to uphold public trust and ensure accountability at the highest levels of government.