Tambuwal: ADC and Obidient Movement Accuse EFCC of Targeting Opposition Coalition Leaders

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared its unwillingness to remain silent following allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is deliberately targeting prominent figures within the opposition ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 general elections.

This latest outrage erupted after the EFCC, on Monday, reportedly arrested and interrogated former Sokoto State Governor and serving senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, over accusations involving questionable cash withdrawals amounting to an estimated ₦189 billion.

Tambuwal, a strategic and influential member of the united opposition coalition, served as governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023, and his political influence remains significant on the national stage.

According to LMSINT MEDIA, this development has reignited national conversations about the independence and impartiality of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies. Many fear that, as election season approaches, allegations of political interference in the EFCC’s operations may intensify.

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EFCC Becoming APC’s Political Weapon – ADC

In its reaction to Tambuwal’s arrest, the ADC accused the EFCC of conducting selective, politically-driven investigations aimed squarely at intimidating and discrediting opposition politicians.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, signed an official statement alleging that the EFCC had, in recent months, reactivated old corruption cases against senior members of the opposition coalition without presenting any fresh evidence.

The statement further claimed that investigations into certain influential members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were quietly abandoned once those individuals defected to the ruling party.

“The EFCC was established to act as a fearless protector of public trust, applying the law fairly to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. Sadly, that vision now appears compromised. Instead of operating as an independent commission, it has started functioning like a unit of the APC—targeting critics and opposition voices to accomplish politically-motivated goals that cannot be achieved through open democratic debate,” the statement read.

The ADC urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the media to actively demand institutional independence for anti-graft agencies, warning that allowing political interference would erode democracy.

The party also pointed to EFCC actions targeting other prominent figures, including former Senate President David Mark and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha. According to the ADC, leaked EFCC correspondence showed that the agency had requested information from the Imo State Government regarding Ihedioha’s brief tenure from May 29, 2019, to January 14, 2020. Similarly, records from Mark’s Senate presidency between 2007 and 2015 were reportedly under review.

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Atiku: Tambuwal’s Detention Is Politically Motivated

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned Tambuwal’s detention, describing it as part of a broader scheme by the Bola Tinubu administration to weaken the opposition before the 2027 elections.

Posting a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Atiku accused the federal government of weaponizing the anti-corruption war to coerce political leaders into joining the APC.

“Anyone aligned with the opposition seems to become a target for fabricated corruption allegations. Yet, once they align with President Bola Tinubu’s political agenda, their so-called ‘sins’ are forgiven. This is neither institution-building nor genuine anti-corruption work—it is political manipulation that undermines the fight against corruption,” Atiku wrote.

As one of the political figures instrumental in the creation of the EFCC, Atiku expressed deep concern over what he perceives as its partisan deployment. He warned that this trajectory risks turning Nigeria into a one-party state and urged both local and international stakeholders to resist such politicization.

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Tinubu and APC Using State Institutions to Intimidate Opposition – Paul Ibe

Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, in an interview with LMSINT MEDIA, accused the president and the APC of using state apparatus to harass and pressure opposition figures into joining the ruling party.

According to Ibe, the arrest of Tambuwal is only one step in a calculated strategy to dismantle opposition unity and tilt the 2027 electoral playing field.

He described the current climate as “worse than military rule,” alleging that freedom of speech, rule of law, and freedom of association have been undermined.

Ibe dismissed claims that the ADC is a sectional or regional party, insisting it is a truly national political platform with members from every region, religion, and socio-economic background.

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Tanko: Tinubu Administration Out to Destroy Democracy

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and former spokesman for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, also issued a stern warning.

Speaking to LMSINT MEDIA, Tanko described the government as “vicious” and intent on eroding democratic structures.

He alleged that anyone who joins the APC is treated as “redeemed,” while those in opposition are labelled criminals, regardless of the ruling party’s own misconduct. Tanko emphasized the importance of building strong grassroots political structures to resist state repression.

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Analyst Questions EFCC’s Credibility

Nduka Odo, a Public Affairs Analyst at Peaceland University, Enugu, argued that the EFCC has allowed political interference to tarnish its credibility.

He questioned the timing of Tambuwal’s arrest, linking it directly to his move to the ADC and the formation of a credible opposition coalition.

Odo also criticized past EFCC inconsistencies, citing the case of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who remains free despite public corruption allegations. He called for reforms that would make the EFCC independent from presidential control.