The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed accusations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it is using corruption investigations to target opposition figures, describing the claims as “self-serving, diversionary, narrow and idle.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, by Dele Oyewale, its Head of Media and Publicity, the anti-graft agency said its operations are guided strictly by its statutory mandate and not by political affiliations.
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Executive Chairman, emphasised that the agency does not operate on partisan lines, pointing out that it has investigated and prosecuted both past and serving governors and ministers from the ruling party as well as opposition figures.
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“If I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving strong ruling party governors and ministers, I should not be condemned for also investigating opposition figures,” Olukoyede stated.
The Commission’s response followed an ADC statement alleging that members of an opposition coalition had received EFCC summons that were “clearly politically motivated” and based on old cases reopened to intimidate key political rivals.
Rejecting this claim, the EFCC argued that corruption allegations are not bound by political timelines or seasonal restrictions, adding that “fraud is fraud” and must be investigated regardless of when the offences allegedly occurred.
According to the statement, records in Nigerian courts show that several politically exposed persons from across the political spectrum are currently facing charges for alleged economic and financial crimes.
It added that the EFCC is also probing some serving governors from different parties, stressing that it will not succumb to pressure or disclose details of ongoing discreet investigations.
The agency noted that the ADC was correct in stating that the EFCC belongs to the Nigerian people and is funded by taxpayers, but urged the party to concentrate on its political activities rather than interfere in the Commission’s work.
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“The ‘opposition figures’ the ADC is trying unsuccessfully to whitewash know in their hearts that they have issues that necessitated their invitations by the Commission.
The immunity against any investigation by the EFCC is accountability and probity,” the statement read.
The Commission called on Nigerians to ignore political rhetoric aimed at discrediting its work or distracting attention from the “pillage of the national treasury.”
