The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it is being used to target political opponents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC had accused the agency of selective prosecution, alleging that it revives old cases to intimidate opposition figures while shielding APC allies. The party’s statement followed the detention of former Sokoto State governor and serving senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal—now an ADC member—over alleged financial crimes amounting to ₦189 billion.
ADC spokesperson Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi alleged that EFCC investigations disproportionately target opposition politicians and that probes involving high-profile APC members often disappear once they join the ruling party. He warned this trend undermines democracy, erodes public trust, and weaponises a national institution for partisan purposes.
In its response, the EFCC described the accusations as “self-serving and diversionary,” stressing there is no statute of limitations on corruption cases. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede insisted the Commission operates without political bias and will continue investigating both ruling and opposition figures.
“There is no ‘old’ or ‘new’ corruption; every allegation must be investigated,” the EFCC said in a statement signed by spokesperson Dele Oyewale. The Commission added that it will not disclose details of ongoing discreet investigations and emphasised that “fraud is fraud” and “corruption is corruption,” regardless of political affiliation.
