Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused the Presidency of attempting to absolve itself of responsibility in the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the interim report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) could not be used as proof of the Presidency’s innocence.

He said the report reportedly raised concerns about negligence and alleged collaboration by some public officials, questioning how an individual was able to allegedly forge a presidential appointment letter, create a fictitious government agency, operate from government offices and open bank accounts using forged documents.

Atiku demanded that the identities of any public officers linked to the alleged misconduct be made public, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know who authorised or facilitated the activities.

He also called for the full publication of the ICPC report, arguing that an interim report should not be treated as a final conclusion while investigations into possible collaborators remain ongoing.

The former vice president further urged the National Assembly to conduct a transparent public hearing into the matter and broadcast the proceedings live, especially after the key suspect, identified as Mr. Adeyemi, reportedly indicated his willingness to testify before lawmakers.

According to Atiku, only an open and transparent investigation will restore public confidence, stressing that the Presidency should not be allowed to “investigate itself into innocence.”