Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned what he describes as the politicization of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration of deploying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate opposition figures.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that the EFCC's recent detention of ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stems not from genuine legal concerns but serves a broader political agenda—coercing opposition leaders to defect to the ruling APC. Tambuwal is currently being held on allegations of unauthorized withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion.
“It is as though anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations,” Atiku said. “Once they are coerced into joining APC, their ‘sins’ are forgiven.” He added that such tactics not only degrade the credibility of democratic institutions but ultimately fuel corruption and edge the country towards a one-party state.
Highlighting his role in the founding of the EFCC, Atiku lamented that the agency has strayed from its core principle of impartiality, warning that turning anti-corruption bodies into political weapons undermines both governance and public trust.
Atiku’s criticism comes amid growing unease over the independence of agencies like the EFCC. By arguing that the EFCC functions as a tool for political coercion, he flags a serious risk: the weakening of institutional integrity and the rise of authoritarian governance in place of robust democratic practice.
Atiku’s remarks echo past grievances, including his denunciation of the EFCC's arrest of media critics and activists under Tinubu’s watch. He had previously described these actions as more oppressive than even those seen during Nigeria’s military era.
The presidency has dismissed Atiku’s claims as baseless and politically motivated—accusing him of seeking relevance through speculation and social media narratives. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesperson, affirmed: “The EFCC operates within its statutory framework without external influence.”
Atiku’s statement raises critical questions about the balance between anti-corruption efforts and political neutrality in Nigeria’s democracy. Should the use of security agencies for political ends become normalized, the country risks slowing its democratic progress and entrenching centralized power—much to the detriment of good governance and civic trust.
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