July 17, 2026 | Abuja
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has raised questions over a ₦6.44 billion budget allegedly earmarked for the 2026 World Cup under the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC.
Atiku’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of PFIPC after police uncovered what authorities described as a forgery syndicate operating under the name. The EFCC has linked the group to 34 bank accounts and alleged fraudulent activities carried out in the name of the federal government.
The ₦6.44 billion World Cup budget, according to documents circulating online, was said to have been proposed by PFIPC for Nigeria’s participation and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Atiku said the figure raised red flags given the lack of transparency around PFIPC’s mandate and operations.
In a statement on Thursday, Atiku asked the federal government to explain how PFIPC arrived at the budget, who authorized it, and why a body not recognized in the national budget structure was handling World Cup preparations. He also demanded an independent audit of all funds linked to PFIPC.
The development has added to pressure on the government following the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, filing a ₦15 billion defamation suit against one Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly paraded himself as “DG of PFIPC.” Gbajabiamila denied any link between the presidency and the group.
Security agencies said investigations into PFIPC are ongoing. The police described it as a “presidential foreign intervention” entity allegedly used to defraud individuals and organizations.
The Ministry of Sports has not commented on whether it recognizes any PFIPC role in World Cup planning. The Nigeria Football Federation said all official preparations for the 2026 tournament are being handled through established government channels.
Civil society groups have called for a full probe into PFIPC and any budget lines tied to it, warning that unvetted bodies should not be allowed to commit public funds.
