A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a political instrument to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
The opposition leaders said the alleged selective application of anti-corruption laws by the EFCC and other security agencies undermines the credibility of the anti-graft campaign and erodes public confidence in state institutions.
The allegation was contained 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 National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun.
Titled “The Weaponisation of the EFCC,” the statement accused the anti-graft agency of persistently targeting opposition figures for political advantage in favour of the ruling APC.
According to the opposition leaders, the trend reflects a past remark by former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who once suggested that defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would have their past “sins” forgiven upon joining the APC.
They said the comment, whether made casually or deliberately, has reinforced a troubling perception that allegations against members of the ruling party are often ignored, while opposition figures are aggressively investigated and subjected to intense media scrutiny without proven evidence.
The coalition called for the immediate removal of political interference from the EFCC’s operations, stressing 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.
The opposition leaders further urged the Federal Government to restore the EFCC to its original legal mandate, insisting that its responsibilities do not include selective prosecution or the harassment of political opponents.
