Turaki-led PDP Seeks Forensic Investigation Into Gbajagate, Raises Concerns Over Presidential Oversight

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an independent forensic investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

It described the development as evidence of institutional failure, negligence and poor oversight within the federal government.

The opposition party, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Presidency’s response had raised serious questions about accountability, transparency and presidential oversight.

The controversy stems from claims by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who identified himself as Director-General of the PFIPC), alleging that financial inducements were demanded and received in connection with his appointment and the operations of the council.

However, the Presidency, through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the claims and described both the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) as fictitious entities, alleging that Adeyemi forged official documents and unlawfully presented himself as a government appointee.

Reacting to the development, the PDP argued that the Presidency’s explanation had only deepened concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of government institutions.

According to the party, if the allegation that Adeyemi operated as an impostor is correct, it would amount to a monumental failure of state institutions, raising questions about how an unauthorised individual allegedly secured office accommodation, had personnel attached to his office, obtained budgetary provisions, operated accounts linked to official institutions and engaged with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security bodies.

The opposition party maintained that such a scenario would expose glaring weaknesses in internal controls, background checks and oversight mechanisms within the nation’s highest offices.

It further argued that if the alternative account proves accurate, that financial considerations influenced appointments into the PFIPC,then the matter would constitute another major corruption scandal demanding urgent investigation and accountability.

The PDP said either outcome was damaging to public confidence and reflected what it described as a persistent pattern of administrative failures under the current administration.

The party cited previous controversies involving government appointments and other governance-related incidents, insisting that they point to broader institutional shortcomings within the federal system.

It stated that any responsible administration confronted with allegations of such magnitude should immediately commission an independent forensic investigation, suspend officials directly connected to the matter pending the outcome of inquiries, implement systemic reforms to prevent future occurrences and provide Nigerians with a comprehensive explanation.

The opposition party specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to order a forensic investigation by a reputable international firm, announce the suspension of key officials linked to the controversy, undertake a comprehensive reorganisation of structures within the Presidency and issue an unreserved apology to Nigerians over what it described as a deeply embarrassing development.

According to the PDP, the controversy has heightened concerns about presidential oversight and the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to safeguard public institutions from abuse, infiltration and administrative failures.

The party maintained that Nigerians deserve a government founded on transparency, competence and accountability, stressing that only a credible and open investigation would restore public confidence in state institutions.

It added that until the government demonstrates a willingness to hold public officials accountable, recurring controversies would continue to deepen citizens’ distrust and strengthen calls for a more responsible and effective system of governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.