Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate leadership and commitment to accountability by ensuring that his appointees are held responsible for their actions.
Atiku made the call while reacting to allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), who accused the President’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, of involvement in a purported N400 million bribery scandal.
The former Vice President expressed concern over Gbajabiamila’s reported claim that the PFIPC does not exist, arguing that such a defence only raises further questions regarding the integrity of government processes.
According to Atiku, it is difficult to reconcile the claim with the allocation of N27.4 billion to the agency in the national budget.
He questioned how such a substantial amount could be appropriated to an institution that allegedly does not exist, noting that the explanation had created more credibility issues for the government.
The ADC presidential candidate stated that the development casts doubt on the transparency and authenticity of the 2026 national budget, insisting that the matter deserves thorough scrutiny.
“The claim that the agency does not exist only creates more problems for the government. Allocating N27.4 billion to a non-existent agency raises serious questions about the credibility of the entire 2026 national budget,” Atiku said.
The Waziri Adamawa further described the alleged development as a serious case of budgetary misconduct that should not be dismissed through what he termed weak and unconvincing explanations.
He called on President Tinubu to suspend the Chief of Staff pending the outcome of an independent investigation aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the controversy.
Atiku stressed that good governance is founded on the principles of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, urging the President to apply the same standards to his close associates as he would to other public officials.
“Good governance is based on transparency and accountability, and these principles cannot be upheld by shielding family members or political allies. President Tinubu must lead by example by holding his Chief of Staff to the same standards of accountability expected of every public servant.
“N27.4 billion is not a trivial matter. The rule of law must prevail in this issue. Let President Tinubu prove to Nigerians that he is genuinely committed to accountability and transparency in his administration,” he said.
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