The Federal Government, led by Bola Tinubu, is allegedly using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a political instrument to undermine the opposition in advance of the 2027 election, according to a coalition of opposition leaders.
The opposition leaders contended that the EFCC and other security services’ alleged selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws undermines the legitimacy of the anti-graft drive and further erodes public trust in state institutions.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Interim National Chairman David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Lawal Batagarawa, Bode George, Peter Obi, and former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun all supported the opposition leaders’ unified statement.
The statement, titled “The Weaponization of the EFCC,” claimed that the anti-graft organization had routinely singled out opposition leaders in order to gain political advantages for the ruling All Progressives Congress, or APC.
The opposition leaders claim that the tendency is similar to a statement made by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, who once said that joining the APC meant one’s previous “sins” were forgiven when greeting PDP defectors.
They pointed out that Oshiomhole’s remarks, whether intentional or not, have come to symbolize a troubling perception in the political system, where accusations against members of the ruling party appear to be disregarded while opposition figures are thoroughly investigated and frequently the focus of intense media attention even in the absence of solid proof.
They also demanded that political interference be immediately removed from the EFCC’s operations, emphasizing the Commission’s need to function impartially and competently.
According to the statement, “the EFCC must be insulated from partisan control and must not function at the behest of any president, political party, or faction.”
The opposition leaders emphasized that the agency’s mandate does not include harassing or selectively prosecuting political opponents, and they requested that the Federal Government return the agency to its proper legal duties.
“The Commission has to reaffirm its commitment to the unbiased investigation and prevention of financial and economic crimes across the country. The statement went on, “Sections 6 and 7 of its establishing law clearly outline its duties and powers.”
Nigerians of all political, ethnic, religious, and professional backgrounds were urged to exercise caution by the opposition leaders, who warned that democracy is being threatened by a deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices through state institutions, with the EFCC being a key player in the purported plan.
