EFCC rejects claims of selective action against opposition politicians

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed accusations from some opposition politicians that it is being “weaponised” to persecute them.

In August, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the EFCC of being used by the federal government to harass and discredit opposition leaders.

At the time, the party said detention of Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto governor, and the EFCC’s “urgent” request for information on the seven-month tenure of Emeka Ihedioha, former Imo governor, were politically motivated.

Abubakar Malami, the former attorney-general of the federation, has also accused the EFCC of witch-hunt following his arrest and detention over alleged corruption.

In a statement issued on Monday, Dele Oyewale, head of media and publicity for the anti-graft agency, described claims of politicisation, erosion of independence, and selective persecution as “deliberate misrepresentation” of commission’s work.

He said the agency’s operations are strictly guided by its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes.

The EFCC spokesperson said no immunity exists for suspects from the ruling party, opposition, or non-partisan actors, except for sitting political officers with constitutional protection.

Oyewale pointed to arrests and prosecutions over the past two years, adding that prominent members of the ruling party — including former governors and ministers — have been investigated alongside opposition figures.

“The Commission’s weapon is its Establishment Act which provides the ground norm of its activities. The Act mandates the Commission to investigate and prosecute all economic and financial crimes,” the statement reads.

“The only exception to criminal prosecution by the Commission are political officers granted constitutional immunity during their tenure.

“Suspects of corrupt practices from the ruling party, opposition party and non-partisan actors have no immunity and are being equally investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC.”

He said what threatens democracy is not its enforcement efforts, but attempts to intimidate or blackmail it into abandoning probes of alleged graft involving opposition politicians.

“Where is persecution in asking a suspect of corrupt practice to account for his sleaze? Is stealing, embezzlement of public funds, contract fraud, money laundering and other corrupt practices excusable for some?”, Oyewale asked

“Corruption has no gender, religion, tribe, political party or other extraneous alignment. Selective outrage cannot be a defence against criminal investigation for graft. The crucial question is, are opposition politicians being investigated or prosecuted by the Commission wrongly accused?

“What threatens democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but the attempt to intimidate or blackmail it into abandoning investigation allegations against corrupt opposition politicians for fear of accusations of selectivity.”