The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over allegations of politically motivated investigations, urging the opposition party to concentrate on its political activities rather than interfering with the anti-graft agency’s operations.
EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the commission’s impartiality, stating, “If I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving governors and ministers from the ruling party, I should not be condemned for also investigating opposition figures.”
His remarks followed ADC’s allegations that recent EFCC summonses were aimed at intimidating opposition members ahead of elections in the future.
ADC on Monday accused the EFCC of selective investigations, alleging it targets opposition figures while shielding ruling party allies. This followed the commission’s invitation of former Bauchi State Governor and Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, condemned the EFCC’s revival of old cases against opposition members as politically motivated, warning it erodes public trust and mimics dictatorship.
The ADC cited examples of stalled probes into APC defectors while opposition leaders face renewed scrutiny. It urged Nigerians and civil society to resist the alleged weaponization of anti-graft agencies for partisan goals, stressing the EFCC is a public institution, not an APC tool. The party demanded impartial justice.
However, the anti-graft agency has described ADC’s accusations as “self-serving, diversionary, and idle,” insisting that its operations remain guided by evidence rather than political affiliations.
“Every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated, and there is no time constraint in criminal proceedings,” the EFCC stated.
It noted that politicians from across the political spectrum—including ruling party figures—are currently facing prosecution for alleged financial crimes. Several serving governors, irrespective of party affiliation, are also under investigation, though the commission declined to disclose specifics, citing operational confidentiality.
While acknowledging ADC’s admission that “the EFCC does not belong to the APC (All Progressives Congress) but to the Nigerian people,” the commission warned against attempts to politicise its work.
“Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There are no sacred cows, protected interests, or partisan considerations in our investigations,” it emphasised.
The EFCC urged opposition parties and other stakeholders to support its efforts in combating graft rather than engaging in “unnecessary blame games.” It assured the public that only those with legitimate cases to answer would face prosecution, adding that “the innocent have nothing to fear.”
The commission called on Nigerians to disregard statements aimed at “heating up the polity” and distracting from the broader fight against corruption. “We will continue to do our job without fear or favour,” it declared.
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