A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the Bola Tinubu–led Federal Government of weaponizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as a political tool to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
The opposition leaders argued that the perceived selective application of anti-corruption laws by the EFCC and other security agencies weakens the credibility of the anti-graft campaign and further diminishes public confidence in state institutions.
The opposition leaders spoke in a joint statement endorsed by the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Lawal Batagarawa, Bode George, Peter Obi and former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.
Titled ‘The Weaponisation of the EFCC’, the statement alleged that the anti-graft agency has consistently targeted opposition figures with the aim of politically benefiting the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
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According to the opposition leaders, the trend echoes a remark previously made by former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who once declared while welcoming defectors from the PDP that joining the APC meant one’s past “sins” were forgiven.
They noted that Oshiomhole’s statement, whether casual or deliberate, has come to represent a troubling perception in the polity, where allegations against members of the ruling party are seemingly ignored, while opposition figures are aggressively investigated, often subjected to intense media scrutiny even without proven evidence.
They further called for the immediate removal of political influence from the operations of the EFCC, insisting that the Commission must operate independently and professionally.
“The EFCC must be insulated from partisan control and must not function at the behest of any president, political party, or faction,” the statement said.
The opposition leaders asked the Federal Government to restore the agency to its original legal responsibilities, emphasizing that its mandate does not include selective prosecution or harassment of political opponents.
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“The Commission must recommit itself to the impartial investigation and prevention of economic and financial crimes nationwide. Its duties and powers are clearly outlined under Sections 6 and 7 of its establishing law,” the statement added.
The opposition leaders appealed to Nigerians across political, ethnic, religious, and professional divides to remain vigilant, warning that democracy is being endangered through a calculated effort to weaken opposition voices using state institutions, with the EFCC playing a central role in the alleged strategy.
