The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has renewed its call for an independent judicial inquiry into the unfolding Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, arguing that only a transparent, impartial investigation can uncover the full truth and restore public confidence in Nigeria's institutions.

The party's position follows President Bola Tinubu's directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations surrounding the PFIPC and the controversial appointment documents linked to Mr. Adeyemi Adeniyi.

 While welcoming the decision to initiate an investigation, the ADC maintains that an inquiry conducted by an agency under the Executive cannot provide the level of independence required in a matter that directly concerns the Presidency itself.

 Why the ADC Is Calling for an Independent Inquiry

According to the ADC, the PFIPC controversy raises serious questions about the integrity of public institutions and the processes through which official appointments and government documents are issued.

The party notes that it had previously called for an independent investigation and cautioned against reducing the controversy to the actions of a single individual. Instead, it argued that every institution connected to the matter should be thoroughly examined.

The President's decision to order an investigation, the ADC says, acknowledges that the allegations cannot simply be dismissed without a proper inquiry. However, assigning the investigation to the ICPC, an agency within the Executive arm of government, raises concerns about whether the process can be perceived as impartial.

For an investigation of this magnitude, public confidence depends not only on the outcome but also on the independence of the process itself.

Concerns Over the Presidency's Public Position

Another issue raised by the ADC concerns statements made by the Presidency describing the appointment letters and related documents as "forged" before the investigation has commenced.

The party argues that one of the primary objectives of any investigation should be to establish whether the documents were genuinely issued, fraudulently obtained, improperly authorised or deliberately forged.

Predetermining that conclusion through official statements, it says, risks undermining the credibility of the investigation before evidence has been examined.

For the inquiry to command public confidence, investigators must be allowed to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without political influence or predetermined conclusions.

Calls for Equal Accountability

The ADC also argues that every office potentially connected to the PFIPC controversy should be subject to the same level of scrutiny.

Since the Presidency has acknowledged that the investigation could involve public officials and institutions connected to the Presidential Office, the party believes no individual or office should be exempt from investigation.

In particular, the ADC argues that officials whose offices may become subjects of investigation should not remain in positions where they could create the perception of influencing or interfering with the investigative process.

According to the party, accountability must apply equally to all public officials if the investigation is to retain credibility.

Transparency Must Be Central to the Investigation

Beyond determining the facts, the ADC says Nigerians deserve complete transparency throughout the investigative process.

The party is calling for a commitment that the final report of the investigation will be released in full to the public rather than being submitted only to the President.

Public disclosure of the findings, together with the implementation of any recommendations, would demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability and help restore confidence in Nigeria's institutions.

Without full transparency, the party argues, any investigation risks being viewed as incomplete or politically managed.

ADC Condemns Reported Arrest of Adeyemi's Father

The ADC has also condemned reports of the arrest of Mr. Adeyemi Adeniyi's father in connection with the ongoing investigation.

According to the party, if criminal offences are alleged, investigations and arrests should focus solely on individuals against whom there is evidence of wrongdoing.

The party argues that Nigerian law does not recognise criminal liability by association and warns that actions perceived as intimidation or collective punishment could undermine confidence in the fairness of the investigative process.

It further questions the rationale for arresting relatives while senior public officials connected to the matter remain in office pending investigation.

Why the PFIPC Scandal Matters

Beyond the immediate allegations, the ADC believes the PFIPC controversy raises broader concerns about institutional integrity, public accountability and national security.

Whether the investigation ultimately establishes misconduct, administrative failures or institutional vulnerabilities, the party argues that the findings will have significant implications for public trust in government.

For that reason, the ADC insists that the matter should not be treated as an ordinary political controversy but as a national issue requiring an independent, transparent and credible investigation.

The party says it will continue to monitor developments closely and reiterates that only an impartial inquiry, free from executive influence, can provide Nigerians with the answers they deserve while helping restore confidence in the country's democratic institutions.