Nigerian Presidency Rejects Claims of Undermining Democracy and Weaponizing EFCC Against Opposition

 

The Nigerian Presidency has strongly refuted accusations from opposition leaders suggesting that President Bola Tinubu is eroding multiparty democracy in Nigeria or using anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to target political rivals.

In an official response released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the administration labeled these allegations as misguided efforts by defeated politicians to shift blame for their own electoral setbacks.

Onanuga described the critics as resorting to diversionary tactics and pursuing unfounded political advantages, particularly those linked to struggling opposition parties or unsuccessful candidates.

Defections to APC: Voluntary and Constitutionally Protected

The statement firmly denied any threat to Nigeria's democratic system arising from politicians switching to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution protects the right to freedom of association.

"No individual who has joined the APC faced any coercion," the response noted. "These moves are driven voluntarily by the tangible progress from President Tinubu's economic reforms and policy initiatives."

EFCC Independence and Anti-Corruption Efforts

Addressing claims of selective prosecution and political interference, the Presidency reiterated that President Tinubu does not influence or direct anti-graft agencies on investigations, arrests, or charges.

"The EFCC functions as a legally independent body, free to execute its mandate without external pressure or bias," Onanuga stated.

He urged those facing EFCC probes to confidently clear their names if innocent, pointing out that several accusers had prior investigations—some predating Tinubu's 2023 inauguration—or involvement in international financial scrutiny.

"No one stands above the law, and party affiliation cannot serve as protection from accountability," the statement affirmed.

It highlighted Nigeria's recent delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as proof of effective advancements in the nation's anti-corruption campaign.

The Presidency called on political figures to refrain from politicizing or weakening key institutions, cautioning that using politics to evade responsibility harms national progress.

Background on the Allegations

These remarks come amid complaints from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding the detention of Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney-General and key party figure in Kebbi State. The ADC claimed the action aimed to pressure opposition members into defecting to the APC and accused the EFCC of legal overreach and bias.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized Nigeria's anti-corruption drive under Tinubu as devolving into targeted harassment of opponents.

This development underscores ongoing debates about political defections, EFCC operations, and the health of Nigeria's democracy ahead of future elections.