Nigeria’s opposition leaders have raised alarm over what they describe as the politicisation of key state institutions under President Bola Tinubu’s government, accusing it of systematically targeting opposition through agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police.
In a joint statement, signed by prominent figures including Sen. David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others, the opposition accused the government of using anti-corruption agencies to intimidate and weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This is not about anti-corruption, but a deliberate effort to annihilate political opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state,” the statement reads.
The leaders highlighted recent defections of opposition governors to the ruling APC, saying these were driven by political coercion rather than genuine ideological shifts.
They also pointed to selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, noting cases where ruling party officials faced little or no prosecution despite serious allegations.
Former APC chairman Adams Oshiomhole’s remark that “Once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven” was cited as emblematic of this double standard.
The statement demands urgent depoliticisation of the EFCC, calling on the agency to return to its statutory role of preventing economic crimes without bias.
It also proposes embedding anti-graft operatives within government payment and expenditure systems at all levels to ensure transparency and accountability.
Further, the opposition calls for the creation of an independent review body to audit public accounts from 2015 to 2025, including federal, state, and local governments.
This body would be chaired by an eminent judge and include representatives from civil society, professional bodies, anti-graft agencies, security services, and all political parties in the National Assembly.
“This review will expose patterns of selective prosecution and shielded corruption within the ruling party,” the statement warns.
The leaders urged Nigerians across all divides to stand united to protect the country’s democracy.
They warned that continuing to allow state institutions to be weaponised threatens Nigeria’s democratic future and social stability.
The statement also signals plans to engage international partners, including the US, UK, Canada, EU, World Bank, and UN, to raise concerns about the growing politicisation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies.
Citing Edmund Burke and Martin Luther King Jr., the opposition concluded: “Now is the time to rise in defence of our democracy and the soul of our nation. Nigeria belongs to all of us—not to a single party or leader.”
Key Demands:
- Depoliticise EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies
- Return EFCC to focus on genuine economic crime prevention
- Embed anti-graft operatives in government financial processes
- Establish an independent review of public accounts (2015–2025)
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and multiparty democracy
Signatories:
Senator David Mark, GCON.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON.
Mallam Lawal Batagarawa;
Chief Bode George.
Mr. Peter Obi, CON.
Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
