The Presidency has dismissed recent opposition allegations that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is using anti-corruption agencies to target political rivals.
Describing the opposition as “a dying political party” seeking “cheap political gains,” Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on Sunday that these claims are “amusing” distractions from the government’s reform agenda.
“None of those who joined the All-Progressives Congress (APC) were pressured.
They acted freely, motivated by the noticeable gains of President Tinubu’s reform programme,” Onanuga said in a statement.
The opposition had raised concerns about the integrity of multi-party democracy, citing defections to the APC and accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of being “weaponised” for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Onanuga countered, emphasizing the EFCC’s independence: “The EFCC is empowered by law to investigate and prosecute financial crimes without interference or favour, regardless of political affiliations or positions.
The President does not issue directives on who to investigate or prosecute.”
He challenged critics to face investigations bravely if they are innocent and cautioned that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility that must not be politicized.
The statement further noted that some opposition figures had previously been investigated or prosecuted by the EFCC before Tinubu’s administration and that others face international probes for money laundering.
“Are they now signing statements because their chickens are coming home to roost?” Onanuga asked, warning against attempts to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions through “baseless allegations” and “politicised narratives.”
The Presidency urged Nigerians to support the ongoing anti-corruption drive, underscoring that no one is above the law, and everyone must be held accountable.
