The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations of political persecution from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the arrest of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Tambuwal, a former Sokoto State governor and prominent figure in the ADC-aligned opposition coalition, was detained on August 11, 2025, over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The ADC condemned the move as “politically motivated,” alleging that EFCC summons to opposition members are being used as tools of intimidation rather than genuine anti-corruption efforts. Atiku echoed the accusation, claiming the Tinubu administration is using the EFCC to “harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition,” while noting that such investigations often disappear once the accused joins the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede rejected the claims, describing them as “self-serving, diversionary, narrow, and idle.” He insisted the commission’s mandate is non-partisan, pointing out that both ruling party members and opposition figures have faced prosecution.
“If I am not condemned for investigating former and serving ruling party governors and ministers, I should not be condemned for investigating opposition figures,” Olukoyede stated.
He stressed that corruption cases have no statute of limitations, adding: “Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There is no sacred cow, protected interest, or partisan consideration.”
The EFCC maintained that it operates with taxpayers’ funds and serves the Nigerian people, not any political party. Olukoyede urged Nigerians to disregard politically charged statements aimed at diverting attention from the “pillage of the national treasury,” and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to holding all offenders accountable, regardless of affiliation.
