ADC’s allegation of opposition witch hunt ‘self-serving, diversionary’ — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has responded firmly to allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it is being used as a political tool against opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement on X, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede rejected accusations of partisanship, emphasising the Commission’s mandate to investigate corruption irrespective of political affiliation.

“If I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving strong ruling party Governors and Ministers, I should not be condemned for also investigating opposition figures,” Olukoyede said, noting the EFCC’s ongoing efforts across the political spectrum.

The ADC had accused the EFCC of targeting opposition leaders such as former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, and former Senate President David Mark, describing the investigations as “urgent” despite these officials having left office years ago.

The party alleged selective justice, claiming that the Commission ignored more recent and well-documented cases involving ruling party members.

Reacting to the accusations, the EFCC called the ADC’s claims “self-serving, diversionary, narrow and idle,” asserting that “Every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated and there is no constraint of time and season in criminal investigations.” The Commission pointed out that “several political figures of all divide are answering charges of alleged economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption,” including “some key figures of the ruling party owing to allegations of corrupt practices.”

The EFCC also dismissed claims that it belongs to the ruling party, stressing that “The EFCC does not belong to the APC. It belongs to the Nigerian people. It is funded by taxpayers, not the ruling party,” a position the ADC itself acknowledged, according to the EFCC statement.

The Commission warned political parties to allow it to carry out its mandate without interference, saying “Nothing will make an innocent person answer any charge from the EFCC.” It further stated that “Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There is no sacred cow, protected interest or partisan consideration in the investigation and prosecution of corruption.”

The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the EFCC and the ruling APC of orchestrating “media trials” to intimidate opposition voices and shield their own members from scrutiny. Abdullahi cited the case of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, alleging that investigations against him ceased after his defection to the APC.

“The pattern of ignoring APC stalwarts with fresher and well-documented cases, while targeting opposition figures with stale allegations, is proof of selective justice and an assault on political freedom,” the ADC stated. It warned that politicising the EFCC risks undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions and public trust.

Addressing the political climate, the EFCC urged Nigerians to disregard statements meant to “heat up the polity and divert attention from the pillage of the national treasury,” reiterating its commitment to “continue to do its job” regardless of political pressure.

The agency added, “The EFCC will continue to do its job and all well-meaning Nigerians are enjoined to ignore political statements meant to heat up the polity and divert attention from the pillage of the national treasury” Guardian