A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the Bola Tinubu–led Federal Government of politicising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
The leaders alleged that the anti-graft agency is being weaponised through the selective application of anti-corruption laws, a development they say is eroding public confidence in the EFCC and other state institutions.
The accusation was contained in a joint statement titled “The Weaponisation of the EFCC”, endorsed by Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s Peter Obi; Bode George; Lawal Batagarawa; and former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.
According to the statement, the EFCC has consistently targeted opposition figures in a manner perceived to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while allegations involving members of the ruling party are allegedly ignored or downplayed.
The opposition leaders referenced a past remark by former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who had publicly stated that politicians who defected to the APC would have their past “sins” forgiven. They said the comment has come to symbolise a disturbing political culture in which ruling party members appear shielded from scrutiny, while opposition figures face aggressive investigations and media trials without proven evidence.
They warned that such practices undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight and weaken democratic accountability.
The coalition called for the immediate removal of political interference from the EFCC’s operations, insisting that the agency must function 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 read.
They further urged the Federal Government to return the Commission to its statutory mandate, stressing that its powers, as outlined under Sections 6 and 7 of its establishing law, do not include selective prosecution or the harassment of political opponents.
“The Commission must recommit itself to the impartial investigation and prevention of economic and financial crimes nationwide,” the leaders stated.
The opposition figures also appealed to Nigerians across political, ethnic, religious and professional lines to remain vigilant, warning that democracy is under threat from what they described as a calculated effort to suppress opposition voices through state institutions, with the EFCC allegedly playing a central role.
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