Opposition party accuses Chief of Staff of colluding in creation of non-existent agency, illegal accounts, and sale of appointments

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate dismissal of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to a sweeping corruption scandal involving a purportedly non-existent government agency and the alleged sale of public appointments.

In a press statement dated July 3, 2026, the opposition party said it was “alarmed” by claims connecting Gbajabiamila with one Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who reportedly presented himself as Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC)—an agency the Presidency has denied exists.

According to the NDC, the so-called agency was allegedly used to siphon public funds with the “active collusion and facilitation” of the Chief of Staff. The party argued that the development raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and governance under the current administration.

The statement further cited allegations that the PFIPC received allocations in the 2026 budget and successfully opened multiple high-level accounts, including a domiciliary account, a pound sterling account, and a Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Describing the situation as “baffling,” the NDC questioned how an agency disclaimed by the Presidency could complete such complex financial processes, which typically require rigorous documentation and approval.

The party also raised concerns about possible institutional complicity, asking whether the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation processed forged documents to facilitate the accounts. It demanded urgent clarification from the Presidency.

Adding another layer to the controversy, the NDC referenced claims that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation allegedly approved 314 staff positions for the agency, despite its disputed existence. The party said such actions suggest a breakdown in administrative oversight at the highest levels of government.

The statement also highlighted more serious financial allegations, including claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 percent of a reported ₦27.39 billion take-off grant for the agency. It alleged that Adeyemi rejected the demand, leading to a fallout.

According to the NDC, Adeyemi further admitted to securing his appointment by paying ₦600 million through proxies, with ₦400 million allegedly delivered and ₦200 million still outstanding—an issue the party claims may have triggered the Presidency’s denial of the agency.

“These are not mere allegations,” the statement said. “They point to a disturbing pattern of institutionalised corruption, including the sale of appointments to the highest bidders.”

The NDC concluded that the scandal reinforces its position that corruption has become entrenched within the current administration, calling for immediate action to restore public trust.

As of the time of this report, the Presidency and the Office of the Chief of Staff have not issued an official response to the allegations.