EFCC and ADC Engage in Heated Exchange Over Allegations of Politically Motivated Investigations

EFCC and ADC Engage in Heated Exchange Over Allegations of Politically Motivated Investigations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly refuted allegations made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it is targeting opposition figures in politically motivated investigations. The ADC had claimed that the EFCC is selectively investigating opposition members while giving favorable treatment to members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The controversy began when former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was detained by the EFCC over allegations of financial crimes amounting to ₦189 billion. Tambuwal, who currently aligns with the ADC, was questioned by investigators at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja .

Targeting opposition figures while ignoring corruption cases involving APC members.
Reopening closed cases and reviving decade-old allegations to intimidate key opposition figures.
Operating like a department of the APC, weaponized to silence critics and achieve political objectives.

The EFCC dismissed the allegations as “self-serving, diversionary, narrow, and idle,” emphasizing that:
There is no time limit on corruption investigations, and every allegation deserves scrutiny.
The Commission investigates corruption cases without fear or favor, regardless of the suspect’s political affiliation.
Both opposition and ruling party members are under investigation, with several cases already before Nigerian courts .

The exchange highlights growing tensions between Nigeria’s anti-graft agency and opposition groups, raising concerns about the independence and fairness of corruption investigations in the country. The EFCC’s insistence on its non-partisan mandate and the ADC’s allegations of selective prosecution underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption.