Presidency Budget Scandal: CUPP Demands Probe, Seeks Gbajabiamila’s Resignation Over Alleged Council Irregularities
By Pan Afric Reporters |
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, accusing top government officials of complicity in what it described as a serious breach of the 2026 federal budget process.
The demand was contained in a press statement issued by the Acting National Chairman of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh on July 3, 2026, in which he alleged that the controversial agency was unlawfully inserted into the 2026 Appropriation Bill despite questions surrounding its legal status.
Chief Ameh alleged that the agency, listed under the Presidency with budget code 0111062001, was included in the 2026 Budget despite the Budget Office’s call circular being intended exclusively for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), not individuals or private entities.
According to him, the budget proposal allegedly passed through several official stages, including bilateral discussions with the Budget Office, approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), scrutiny by the National Assembly, and eventual presidential assent.
“This process implicates multiple high-level actors across the Presidency, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Assembly, raising serious questions that demand immediate answers,” Ameh said.
He further alleged that the circumstances surrounding the approval of the budget allocation point to what “appears to be a criminal conspiracy at the highest levels of governance.”
The CUPP leader also expressed concern over reports that the Attorney General of the Federation was allegedly misled into facilitating the opening of a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account for the council, which he claimed many now question as either non-existent or improperly constituted.
“The greatest danger in this scandal is the shocking admission that a fraudster successfully misled the Attorney General of the Federation into opening a bank account with the Central Bank of Nigeria for what many now question as a non-existent or improperly constituted agency,” he stated.
Ameh further noted that the agency operates an official website, saying this development heightens the need for transparency and accountability.
He cautioned the Presidency against any attempt to use state power to suppress investigations or intimidate individuals connected with the controversy.
“The Presidency must exercise utmost caution to avoid any perception of using state power to silence the Director General in this matter. Accountability and due process must prevail over any attempt to suppress inquiry,” he said.
Calling for political accountability, Ameh urged the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, to resign to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations.
“In light of these grave allegations touching on the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, I call on him to immediately resign his position and others too should also resign from office immediately. This is the bare minimum expected to pave the way for an independent and thorough inquiry into the allegations against him and others involved,” he stated.
He added: “The arrogance of power must stop. Nigerians deserve a government that upholds integrity, transparency, and the rule of law.”
The CUPP acting chairman also appealed to the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies and other relevant institutions to commence what he described as a full-scale, impartial investigation into the matter.
“I urge the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, and all relevant authorities to launch a full-scale, unbiased investigation into this matter without delay. The people of Nigeria are watching,” Ameh said.
The allegations contained in the statement are claims made by the CUPP and have not been independently verified. No official response had been issued by the Presidency or other institutions mentioned in the statement at the time of filing this report.
