EFCC fires back at Atiku, Peter Obi, others over alleged ‘persecution’ claims

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected claims by opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, that it targets opposition politicians.

In a statement on its official social media channels, the commission described allegations of “weaponisation,” “politicisation,” and “persecution of opposition politicians” as misleading and unfounded.

The EFCC said its work is guided by its Establishment Act, which empowers it to investigate and prosecute all cases of economic and financial crimes. The only exception, it added, is political office holders granted constitutional immunity while in office.

The commission emphasized that it investigates and prosecutes suspects from all political parties, including the ruling APC and opposition parties. “Corruption has no gender, religion, tribe, or political affiliation,” the EFCC said.

The statement cited recent arrests and prosecutions involving both ruling party members, such as former governors and ministers, and opposition figures, showing that the commission acts based on evidence rather than political alignment.

“The EFCC is faithful only to its mandate of fighting corruption,” the statement read. “Where is persecution in asking a suspect to account for corrupt practices?”

The commission also warned against attempts to intimidate or pressure it into abandoning investigations. It said such efforts by opposition politicians are aimed at protecting individuals from prosecution and undermining the law.

The EFCC concluded by calling on Nigerians to support its anti-corruption work, stressing that selective outrage cannot stop investigations into graft.