ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to establish an independent judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, arguing that only an impartial probe can restore public confidence.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party described the matter as a serious test of government accountability and urged authorities not to handle the allegations through an internal executive process.
According to Abdullahi, the party has identified several government officials and institutions whose roles should be examined as part of a comprehensive investigation.
“Based on the Presidency’s own statement and documentary evidence already in the public domain, we have identified government officials and institutions that must be investigated to unravel the issues surrounding this matter,” he said, adding that the allegations would have had far-reaching political consequences in “saner climes.”
The ADC maintained that the controversy raises fundamental questions about transparency, oversight and public trust, insisting that any investigation must be independent, transparent and empowered to summon witnesses and recommend appropriate action where necessary.
Among those the party said should be investigated are senior government officials, financial institutions and relevant committees of the National Assembly. The party argued that the proposed inquiry should establish the extent of official involvement, the approval process for any related transactions and whether due process was followed.
The ADC also rejected the idea of an internal presidential panel, saying such a process would undermine public confidence because the institutions under scrutiny would effectively be investigating themselves.
According to the party, an independent judicial panel remains the most credible mechanism for determining the facts and ensuring accountability.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not officially responded to the ADC’s latest demand.
The PFIPC allegations have continued to generate public debate following earlier statements and documents circulated in the public domain. However, the full facts surrounding the matter remain contested, and no findings have been made by any competent investigative or judicial authority.
