A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a political instrument to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
The leaders said the alleged selective enforcement of anti corruption laws by the EFCC and other security agencies has damaged the credibility of the fight against corruption and eroded public trust in state institutions.
The allegation was made in a joint statement endorsed by Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress David Mark former Vice President Atiku Abubakar Lawal Batagarawa Bode George Peter Obi and former APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun.
The statement titled “The Weaponisation of the EFCC” claimed that the agency has repeatedly targeted opposition figures in ways that appear designed to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress.
According to the opposition leaders the pattern reflects a past remark by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole who once suggested that joining the ruling party meant previous “sins” were forgiven.
They said the comment has come to symbolise a troubling perception where allegations against ruling party members are ignored while opposition figures face aggressive investigations and media exposure even without established evidence.
The coalition called for the immediate removal of political influence from the operations of the EFCC 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 said.
They urged the Federal Government to return the commission to its core legal mandate noting that its responsibilities do not include selective prosecution or intimidation of political opponents.
“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 also appealed to Nigerians across political ethnic religious and professional lines to remain alert warning that democracy is at risk if state institutions are used to silence opposition voices.
