Opposition Leaders Accuse Tinubu Of Weaponising EFCC For Political Persecution Amid Growing Concerns For Democracy

Notable opposition leaders in Nigeria have raised serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being utilised as a tool for political persecution.

The accusation is part of a broader narrative surrounding the potential erosion of Nigeria’s democracy, as opposition figures voice mounting fears over an orchestrated campaign aimed at silencing dissent and consolidating power.

In a scathing joint statement signed by prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Bode George, and Peter Obi, the opposition leaders expressed their concerns about a “dangerous agenda” that threatens Nigeria’s multi-party system. The statement, titled “Anti-Corruption, Not Anti-Opposition,” outlines their pressing concerns regarding the growing perception that critical national institutions, including the EFCC, are being manipulated for political gain rather than intended to combat economic crimes.

“We are compelled by duty to nation and conscience to issue this statement,” the leaders wrote, emphasising their dismay over the perceived use of state power for the “persecution of perceived political adversaries.”

The group highlighted alarming instances where opposition governors appear to have been coerced into defecting to the ruling party under pressure from state agencies, further fueling fears of a political landscape dominated by the ruling APC.

The opposition figures claim that the operations of the EFCC have strayed from its foundational purpose, noting a disturbing trend of selective enforcement where actors aligned with the ruling party face little to no scrutiny, while those in opposition are subject to intense investigations and media trials.

The statement highlights specific examples, including a minister who resigned amidst a financial scandal but faced no legal repercussions and continues to be active in the President’s re-election campaign.

“This disturbing pattern is not merely a coincidence but a strategy to strangle opposition voices,” they contended, warning that if left unchecked, such political manoeuvres threaten the very fabric of Nigeria’s democracy.

The leaders urged the government to urgently depoliticise the EFCC, insisting it must refocus on its original mandate of tackling economic crimes without bias. They called for embedding anti-graft operatives within government spending processes to ensure warranted oversight and compliance with financial accountability, emphasising this as essential to restoring public confidence.

Call for Independent Oversight and Reform

In a marked effort to bolster the fight against political persecution and corruption, the opposition leaders are demanding the establishment of an independent review body to scrutinise public accounts of federal, state, and local governments from 2015 to 2025. This independent body, which they propose to be chaired by a reputable judge, would comprise members from civil society, the Bar Association, financial institutions, and political parties. Its insights could catalyse significant reform in the EFCC and accountability measures within government financial transactions.

“Many current officials of the federal government—and those of ruling-party-controlled states—should have long been prosecuted for economic crimes but were shielded due to their political affiliation,” the leaders asserted.

They express hope that such transparency would ultimately expose the EFCC’s pattern of selective prosecution and reinforce its independence.

A Call to Action for Democratic Vigilance

The statement concludes with a clarion call to all Nigerians to unite in defence of democracy, denouncing the systematic weakening of opposition forces. The leaders pledged to engage with international partners and diplomatic missions in their fight against the apparent politicisation of anti-corruption efforts and to promote the necessity for institutional reforms within the EFCC.

“Nigeria’s democracy demands our vigilance, courage, and unity,” they declared, invoking historical figures such as Edmund Burke and Martin Luther King Jr. to underscore the critical importance of collective action against authoritarian tendencies manifesting in the current political landscape.

“This is a time for all of us to rise in defence of our cherished multiparty democracy and the very soul of our nation. We must make a deliberate choice not to be remembered by posterity for our silence,” the statement concluded, signalling a resolute stance against the perceived encroachment on Nigeria’s democratic values.

The unfolding situation has drawn significant public attention, encapsulating a moment of introspection for Nigeria as political actors and citizens ponder the implications of power dynamics in the nation’s increasingly polarised climate.