The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly refuted recent allegations from opposition politicians accusing it of being weaponized against them, describing such claims as deliberate misrepresentations of its core duties.
In a statement released today, the EFCC emphasized that its operations are guided strictly by its Establishment Act, which empowers it to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes without exception for political affiliation. The only immunity recognized is constitutional protection for sitting public officers.
The Commission highlighted that over the past two years, it has pursued cases against prominent figures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including former governors and ministers, alongside individuals from opposition parties and non-partisan backgrounds.
"Suspects from the ruling party, opposition parties, and others are treated equally under the law," the statement read.
Dismissing suggestions of a "discernible pattern of persecution" aimed at weakening opposition forces for the APC's benefit, the EFCC posed rhetorical questions: "Where is the persecution in requiring suspects to account for alleged embezzlement, contract fraud, or money laundering? Corruption transcends party lines, tribe, religion, or gender."
The agency argued that attempts to portray legitimate investigations as political victimization threaten democracy more than its enforcement efforts. It accused critics of seeking unofficial immunity from prosecution simply because they are now in opposition, a notion it said contradicts both the Nigerian Constitution and the EFCC Act.
The EFCC vowed not to yield to intimidation or incomplete probes for the sake of appearing impartial, while cautioning against hasty amendments to its enabling law that might not serve national interests.
Urging patriotic Nigerians to support its work, the Commission described the anti-corruption fight as a shared mission to restore national dignity. "Corruption has no political identity, selective outrage cannot shield anyone from accountability," it concluded.
This response follows a joint statement by prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, alleging politicization of anti-graft agencies. The Presidency has separately denied any interference, affirming the EFCC's independence.
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