The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday firmly rejected claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that its recent actions against certain opposition politicians were politically driven. The Commission described the allegations as “self-serving, diversionary, narrow, and idle.”
In response to the ADC’s accusations, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reiterated that the Commission carries out its mandate without fear or favour. He emphasized that both current and former ministers and governors from the ruling party are also under investigation.
“If I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving governors and ministers from the ruling party, I should not be condemned for investigating opposition figures,” Olukoyede stated in a release issued by EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale.
The ADC had earlier alleged that members of the opposition coalition had received politically motivated summons from the EFCC. According to the party, these cases were not based on new evidence but were revived in retaliation to changing political affiliations.
However, the EFCC dismissed the allegations as unfounded. The Commission insisted that every allegation of corruption must be investigated, regardless of timing or political context.
“The ADC’s unprovoked attack on the EFCC over its handling of cases involving politically exposed persons was both shocking and unwarranted. Any objective observer of Nigeria’s political landscape would acknowledge that the Commission has operated with restraint and impartiality,” the statement said.
“The ADC’s claims — that opposition figures are being targeted with revived cases in response to political realignments — are clearly an attempt to deflect from the real issues. What exactly qualifies a case as ‘fresh’? In criminal investigations, there is no expiry date. Every credible allegation of corruption deserves investigation.”
The EFCC further stated that numerous politicians, cutting across party lines, are currently facing charges or are under active investigation. It noted that some serving state governors from various political parties are also under its scrutiny.
“Records before Nigerian courts show that political figures from all parties are currently answering to charges of economic and financial crimes. The EFCC is also investigating several key figures within the ruling party over corruption allegations. Many serving governors are on our radar. No amount of political pressure will compel the Commission to disclose ongoing discreet investigations,” the agency stated.
While acknowledging the ADC’s admission that the EFCC “belongs to the Nigerian people and not the APC,” the Commission emphasized that it operates without bias or political consideration.
“Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There are no sacred cows. No individual or group enjoys immunity from investigation or prosecution, and partisan affiliations are irrelevant,” the EFCC declared.
Olukoyede urged political parties to concentrate on their core functions and refrain from shielding individuals who are under legitimate investigation.
“The ADC and other political groups should focus on their political activities and allow the EFCC to carry out its constitutional mandate. No innocent person has ever been, or will ever be, compelled to face charges before the EFCC,” the statement said.
“The opposition figures the ADC is attempting to shield know fully well the reasons behind their invitation by the Commission. The only immunity against EFCC action is transparency and accountability.”
The Commission concluded by reaffirming its commitment to its anti-corruption mandate, urging Nigerians to disregard politically motivated statements aimed at distracting from efforts to recover looted public funds.
