Opposition accuses President Tinubu of weaponising the EFCC to intimidate political rivals, prompting a sharp response from the Presidency

Prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and PDP elder statesman Bode George, have accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of deliberately undermining opposition parties ahead of future elections.

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In a joint statement also signed by ADC National Chairman David Mark, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and Lawal Batagawara, the opposition demanded an independent audit of federal, state, and local government accounts from 2015 to 2025, alleging that state authority is being weaponised against political opponents rather than used to combat economic crimes.

The statement followed a wave of defections to the ruling APC, including the recent switch of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the PDP.

Opposition leaders alleged that major national institutions—including the EFCC, Nigeria Police, and ICPC—are increasingly used for political intimidation, selectively prosecuting opponents while shielding ruling party members.

“Across our nation, state power is being deployed not for the prevention of economic crimes, but for the persecution of perceived political adversaries, with the ultimate aim of weakening opposition voices and dismantling Nigeria’s multiparty democracy,” the statement said.

The leaders claimed the EFCC’s selective prosecutions reflect a broader agenda to bring all state governments under APC control, warning that this threatens democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general election.

They also criticised remarks by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, suggesting party loyalty absolves political figures of past wrongdoing.

In response, the Presidency rejected the claims, describing the opposition’s attacks as “scapegoating by a dying political party” and insisting defections are voluntary and motivated by the gains of Tinubu’s reform programme.

Special Adviser on Information & Strategy Bayo Onanuga reaffirmed EFCC’s independence, noting prosecutions are determined by courts, not the Presidency.

“The EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour,” Onanuga said. “No one is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, both in and out of office.”

The dispute highlights rising tensions between the Presidency and opposition over perceived politicisation of anti-corruption agencies, with both sides framing the controversy as central to Nigeria’s democratic future.

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At the time of filing, the EFCC had not issued an official response to the allegations.