ADC, Obidient Movement Accuse EFCC of Targeting Opposition Leaders After Tambuwal’s Arrest
written by okafor joseph August 13,2025
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Obidient Movement have accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of launching politically motivated investigations against key opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The backlash follows the arrest and interrogation of former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Monday over alleged fraudulent withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion. Tambuwal, who governed Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023, is a key member of the opposition coalition.
Critics say the move has renewed concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies, with allegations that the EFCC is being used as a political weapon by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
ADC Accuses EFCC of Selective Justice
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that recent EFCC actions, including revisiting old cases without fresh evidence, were aimed at intimidating opposition politicians. The party claimed that corruption probes into certain APC members were dropped once they defected to the ruling party.
“The EFCC was created to be a fearless defender of public trust. Today, that vision appears compromised. The Commission now operates like a department of the APC, deployed to fight critics and opposition figures,” the statement read.
The ADC cited fresh EFCC inquiries into former Senate President David Mark, ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha as evidence of targeted harassment.
Atiku Calls Tambuwal’s Arrest Politically Motivated
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Tambuwal’s detention as part of a wider strategy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 polls.
“It is as though anyone in the opposition becomes a target for phantom corruption allegations, while those coerced into joining the APC have their ‘sins’ forgiven,” Atiku posted on X.
Obidient Movement Warns of ‘Vicious’ Political Climate
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, accused the Tinubu administration of working to “destroy democracy” and predicted more attacks on opposition figures.
“This government is out to undermine constitutional rights and the United Nations Charter,” Tanko said, adding that the movement is building political structures at the grassroots to resist such moves.
Analysts Question EFCC’s Credibility
Public affairs analyst Nduka Odo said the EFCC’s arrest of Tambuwal appears politically timed and reflects the ruling party’s fear of a united opposition.
“Every sensible Nigerian will link this arrest to Tambuwal’s move to the ADC. The formation of a strong coalition is a nightmare for the ruling party,” Odo said, calling for reforms to make the EFCC independent from presidential appointments.
The controversy has further deepened the debate over the neutrality of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and their role in the political process ahead of the next general elections.
