A coalition of prominent opposition leaders has accused the Federal Government of deploying Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies as political tools to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was systematically weaponising institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to intimidate opposition figures under the pretext of fighting corruption.
The statement was signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairman, Senator David Mark; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; PDP chieftain, Chief Olabode George; and former Minister of State for Defence, Lawal Batagarawa.
According to the group, recent defections of opposition governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have heightened public suspicion that political pressure—rather than ideology—is driving the realignments.
They warned that the alleged intimidation campaign targets not only serving governors but also key opposition figures believed to be central to emerging alliances ahead of 2027, describing the trend as a direct threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
The leaders further accused the EFCC of selective enforcement, claiming allegations against ruling party members were routinely ignored while opposition figures were aggressively investigated and subjected to media trials.
They cited former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole’s remark that “once you join APC, all your sins are forgiven” as emblematic of public perceptions of unequal application of anti-corruption laws.
Calling for reforms, the opposition leaders urged the Attorney General of the Federation, in collaboration with the National Assembly, to establish an independent review panel to audit public accounts at federal, state and local government levels between 2015 and 2025.
They also appealed to Nigerians to defend democracy, warning that the country must not slide into a one-party system.
The statement followed the continued detention of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who has remained in custody after failing to meet EFCC bail conditions.
