The African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi have accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate and discredit opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi alleged that the ruling party, in collaboration with the EFCC, had launched politically motivated probes against its National Chairman, David Mark, former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal. Abdullahi described the moves as “calculated media trials” aimed at persecution rather than justice.

“A fight against corruption that begins and ends with the opposition is not justice, it is persecution. These are calculated media trials, which start and end with the accusation, the scandal, and the consequent lowering of public estimation,” he said.

The party questioned why files on certain ruling party figures with documented corruption allegations remained untouched while opposition leaders faced renewed scrutiny years after leaving office.

Atiku Abubakar, reacting to Tambuwal’s arrest over alleged fraudulent withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion, said the detention was a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to “harass, intimidate and decimate the opposition.”

He alleged that anti-corruption agencies were being weaponized to coerce opposition leaders into joining the ruling party.

“It is as though anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations, and as soon as they are coerced into the political agenda of Tinubu, their ‘sins’ are forgiven,” Atiku said.

Peter Obi also faulted the EFCC’s approach, urging that anti-corruption laws be applied equally to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation. He stressed that the fight against corruption must be guided by conscience, the rule of law, and evidence rather than “impressions and preconceptions.”

In its response, the EFCC denied any political bias, stating that it investigates all corruption cases based on evidence. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said “If I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving ruling party’s governors and ministers, I should not be condemned for also investigating opposition figures.”

The commission insisted there were “no sacred cows” and that every corruption allegation deserved to be investigated regardless of timing or political context. It described the ADC’s claims as “self-serving, diversionary, narrow and idle,” adding that politically exposed persons from across the political spectrum, including serving governors and ministers, were currently under investigation.

Olukoyede also revealed a new trend where some politicians declared assets they had yet to acquire before assuming office, describing it as “anticipatory looting” of public funds. He urged the Code of Conduct Bureau to scrutinise such declarations closely.

The EFCC maintained that it belonged to the Nigerian people and would not be swayed by political statements, pledging to continue its work without fear or favour.

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