Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma Gives Anti-Graft Agency 14 Days To Act
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding that the agency reopen investigations into alleged financial crimes involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Agbonayinma also called for Atiku’s prosecution if investigators establish evidence of wrongdoing.
The development adds another layer to the increasingly heated political exchanges between supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Former Lawmaker Writes EFCC
Agbonayinma reportedly submitted a petition to the EFCC and called for investigations into allegations relating to Atiku’s activities while serving as vice president.
The former lawmaker has also given the anti-graft agency a 14-day ultimatum to act on his demand, according to reports.
He argued that allegations concerning public officials should be properly investigated regardless of their political status.
Allegations Must Be Investigated
Agbonayinma’s demand is an allegation and does not establish that Atiku committed any financial crime.
The EFCC would need to independently investigate the claims, establish evidence and determine whether any offence was committed before prosecution could arise.
The former lawmaker nevertheless wants the agency to revisit what he described as unresolved allegations surrounding Atiku.
Political Context
The petition comes as Atiku prepares to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the ADC.
Atiku has emerged as one of the leading opposition figures challenging Tinubu’s administration.
His supporters have criticised Tinubu’s economic policies and have presented the ADC as an alternative political platform.
Tinubu’s supporters, meanwhile, have intensified efforts to scrutinise the records of opposition politicians.
Agbonayinma’s petition fits into this increasingly aggressive political environment.
EFCC’s Role
The EFCC is responsible for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes within its mandate.
Any decision to reopen a case or commence prosecution would depend on the evidence available to investigators and the agency’s legal assessment.
The commission has not, based on the reports available, announced a prosecution of Atiku arising from Agbonayinma’s latest petition.
What Happens Next?
The next significant development will be whether the EFCC responds to the petition and whether the agency decides to review the allegations.
Agbonayinma’s demand is likely to attract further political debate because of Atiku’s status as a major opposition presidential contender.
As the 2027 election approaches, allegations concerning the backgrounds of leading candidates are expected to become an increasingly prominent part of campaign politics.