ABUJA: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of conducting politically motivated investigations against opposition leaders, alleging that its latest target is Interim National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark.
In a statement by acting National Publicity Secretary Bola Abdullahi on Tuesday, the ADC claimed the EFCC was engaged in a choreographed media trial” against prominent figures in the opposition coalition.
This follows Monday’s detention of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and the recent invitation of former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.
The EFCC has now begun digging into files from David Mark’s tenure as Senate President ten years after he left office, Abdullahi said.
The timing is suspicious. While APC chieftains with more recent and documented cases walk free, the agency is reopening stale allegations against our leaders. This is selective justice and an assault on political freedom.
According to the ADC, the clampdown forms part of the ruling All Progressives Congress’ (APC) wider plan to destabilise the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party called on Nigerians to resist what it described as a witch-hunt disguised as anti-corruption, insisting that the EFCC’s moves were designed to intimidate key opposition leaders and discredit them before the polls.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar echoed the accusation, alleging that President Bola Tinubu was using anti-corruption probes as a tool to coerce opposition members into joining the APC.
He described the practice as abuse of power and warned that it only fuels corruption rather than curbing it.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also criticised the EFCC, describing it as an obedient lapdog deployed to do the ruling party’s dirty political work.
HURIWA National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko said the crackdown was aimed at breaking the spine of the opposition before 2027.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede rejected the accusations, insisting that fraud is fraud regardless of political affiliation.
He pointed out that the commission was also investigating APC figures and stressed that no one enjoys immunity from prosecution.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga distanced the presidency from the EFCC’s actions, saying, “We are not the EFCC. Call them if you want to know whether they are weaponising arrests. It’s not our business.”
Meanwhile, pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere denied any affiliation with the ADC-led coalition, stressing its non-partisan stance. At an International Youth Day event in Abuja, ADC leader David Mark promised greater youth and women representation in politics, reserving 35% of leadership roles for women and prioritising candidates under 40.
He pledged to revitalise grassroots structures, promote progressive policies, and ensure that the ADC remains a party of equal opportunity for all Nigerians.
National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai decried worsening unemployment, insecurity, and poor education, noting that over 20 million Nigerian children remain out of school.
He urged young people to take leadership roles in transforming their communities and called for the United Nations to adopt development goals tailored to the realities of African nations.
Rufai concluded, The youth cannot keep waiting. The incumbents may have started with power, but if we organise, we will finish with victory.
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