Prominent opposition leaders have raised the alarm over what they described as a deliberate attempt by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy through the politicisation of anti-corruption agencies.
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In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders accused the Federal Government of weaponising institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to intimidate and persecute political opponents under the guise of fighting corruption.
The statement was signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George; and former Minister of State for Defence, Mallam Lawal Batagarawa.
The opposition figures warned that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state, alleging that opposition governors and political leaders were being pressured by anti-graft agencies to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“State power is being deployed not for the genuine fight against corruption, but for the systematic persecution of perceived political opponents ahead of the 2027 general election,” the statement said.
The opposition leaders accused the EFCC of selective enforcement, claiming that while opposition figures face aggressive investigations and media trials, allegations against members of the ruling party are ignored or quietly dropped.
They cited public perceptions of unequal justice, including past remarks credited to a former APC national chairman that defectors’ “sins are forgiven,” arguing that such narratives have weakened trust in anti-corruption institutions.
As part of their demands, the leaders called for an independent review of federal, state and local government accounts from 2015 to 2025 to expose selective prosecution and restore confidence in the anti-graft war.
They also proposed embedding anti-corruption operatives directly into government payment systems to prevent financial crimes, alongside amendments to the EFCC Act to strengthen its independence and preventive mandate.
The leaders urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend the country’s democratic space, warning that political injustice, if unchecked, could threaten national stability.
However, in a swift reply, the Presidency said President Bola Tinubu will never deploy the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to harass opposition figures.
Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Onanuga insisted that recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were voluntary.
He described claims by some opposition politicians that democracy was under threat as baseless and self-serving.
He said politicians joining the APC did so freely, driven by confidence in President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of association and the right to change political affiliation at any time,” he said.
Onanuga noted that no individual was coerced into joining the governing party.
He dismissed allegations that the EFCC was being weaponised, stressing that the anti-graft agency is independent and operates within its statutory mandate.
“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute,” he said.
He added that those with cases before the EFCC should defend themselves through due process rather than politicise accountability.
Onanuga said allegations against the government were distractions by politicians running out of issues to challenge the administration.
“No one is above the law. Political affiliation should not shield anyone from investigation,” he said.
He also recalled that some critics had faced EFCC investigations even before Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
Onanuga urged political actors to respect national institutions and support the collective fight against corruption.
“The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility and must not be trivialised by politicised narratives,” he said.
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