A coalition of prominent opposition figures has accused the Bola Tinubu–led Federal Government of deploying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a political weapon to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was made in a joint statement titled “The Weaponisation of the EFCC”, endorsed by Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi; Bode George; Lawal Batagarawa; and former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.
The opposition leaders claimed that the selective application of anti-corruption laws by the EFCC and other security agencies has eroded public confidence in the anti-graft campaign and weakened the credibility of state institutions.
According to the statement, the EFCC has allegedly focused its investigative powers disproportionately on opposition figures, while members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are perceived to enjoy immunity from similar scrutiny.
They referenced a past comment by former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly said that defectors to the ruling party had their past “sins” forgiven, arguing that the remark has come to symbolise a troubling pattern in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The coalition warned that opposition figures are often subjected to aggressive investigations and media trials without proven evidence, while allegations against ruling party members are allegedly overlooked.
Calling for urgent reforms, the opposition leaders demanded the 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 operate at the behest of any president, political party, or political faction,” the statement said.
They urged the Federal Government to refocus the commission on its statutory responsibilities, noting that its mandate under Sections 6 and 7 of its enabling law does not include selective prosecution or the harassment of political opponents.
The leaders also appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that democracy is under threat from what they described as a deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices through the misuse of state institutions.