Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on the Presidency to disclose the names of officials involved in the scandal surrounding the fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). He criticized the recent ICPC interim report, arguing it is insufficient and contradictory.
Through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that the government cannot claim to be cleared of wrongdoing when the same report identifies negligence and collusion within its own ranks. The investigation revealed that a suspect forged official documents, established a fake agency, occupied government offices, and opened bank accounts under the guise of official business. Atiku questioned how such deep penetration of government infrastructure could occur without internal assistance.
The former candidate demanded accountability for the individuals who granted the impostor access to state resources and official recognition. He argued that the ICPC’s suggestion of disciplinary action against negligent staff proves that this was not the work of a lone actor. Atiku insisted that the public deserves to know exactly which individuals enabled the fraud.
Furthermore, Atiku urged the National Assembly to conduct a live-broadcast public hearing regarding the matter. He highlighted the suspect’s own willingness to testify publicly as a reason for the government to drop its secrecy. According to Atiku, the administration must allow for an independent, transparent inquiry to prove it is not shielding high-level officials. He concluded that true transparency requires identifying those responsible, regardless of their proximity to the seat of power.
