Nigeria’s leading opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asked President Bola Tinubu to order an independent forensic investigation into allegations linked to the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying only a transparent probe can settle conflicting claims about activities within the Presidency.
The call came on Sunday after the Presidency responded to accusations made by Prince Adeniyi Matthew, who claimed he paid money to secure an appointment to the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
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Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga rejected Matthew’s standing by describing him as an impostor who allegedly gained access to government offices and carried out official duties without lawful approval. The PDP said the conflicting accounts make a full investigation necessary.
PDP insists on independent inquiry
The opposition party said the President should appoint a reputable international firm to conduct a forensic investigation into the matter. It also urged the suspension of officials connected with the case while the probe is underway.
The PDP argued that the issue should not be handled only through an internal government review. It said Nigerians deserve a clear account of what happened and any failures that allowed the situation to develop.
The party also asked for a reorganisation of the Presidency and a public apology if the investigation confirms failures within government institutions.
Party links case to wider questions on government oversight
The PDP said the Presidency’s explanation creates serious questions about how someone described as an impostor could allegedly obtain office space, work with government staff, operate accounts registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria, receive budgetary support and interact with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and security organisations.
The party argued that, if those claims are true, they point to weaknesses in government oversight and internal controls.
It also said that if Prince Matthew’s allegations against the Chief of Staff are eventually proven, the matter would require accountability for corruption. The party maintained that either outcome would demand official action.
The PDP linked the dispute to what it described as previous government errors, including reports of deceased persons appearing on appointment lists and controversies over the presidential pardon list. It said such incidents show the need for stronger administrative processes.
The party said, “Any responsible government confronted with this scale of institutional breakdown would immediately commission an independent forensic investigation, suspend the key officials implicated, implement systemic reforms to prevent a recurrence, issue an unreserved public apology, and consider the resignation of those found culpable.”
The party also accused the Federal Government of relying on an internal review instead of opening the matter to wider scrutiny.
Earlier, Prince Matthew alleged that Gbajabiamila requested and received financial inducements to help secure his appointment to the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. He also claimed further financial demands were made during the operation of the office.
Responding to the allegations, Onanuga did not accept Matthew’s claims. Instead, he described Matthew as a fraudster who allegedly forged his way into government and operated without legal authority. The Presidency’s position centred on Matthew’s identity and status rather than accepting the allegations against the Chief of Staff.
The differing accounts have produced public argument over what happened and who should be held responsible if any wrongdoing is established.
The PDP said the President should move quickly to address the matter through an investigation that the public can trust. It argued that a credible inquiry would establish the facts, identify any institutional failures and determine whether officials should face disciplinary or legal action.
The party said Nigerians expect accountability from public office holders and that an independent investigation would help answer questions surrounding the allegations and the Presidency’s response.
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