ABUJA: Leading opposition figures in Nigeria have raised alarm over what they describe as a calculated attempt by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to undermine the country’s multi-party democratic system through the alleged politicization of anti-corruption agencies.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the opposition leaders accused the Federal Government of using state institutions particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to harass and intimidate political opponents under the pretext of fighting corruption.
The statement was jointly signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George; and former Minister of State for Defence, Mallam Lawal Batagarawa.
They alleged that Nigeria is being pushed towards a dangerous and undemocratic path, with opposition-controlled states and political figures allegedly pressured by anti-graft agencies to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to them, recent defections have strengthened public suspicion that coercion, rather than political conviction, is driving such realignments.
The opposition leaders warned that the continued use of state power against perceived adversaries could weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general election and potentially steer the country towards a de facto one-party state.
They further accused the EFCC of selective enforcement, claiming that opposition figures face aggressive investigations and media trials, while allegations involving members of the ruling party are ignored or quietly abandoned.
They referenced past remarks by a former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, suggesting that defection to the ruling party guarantees immunity from prosecution.
As part of their demands, the leaders called for an independent review of public accounts at the federal, state and local government levels from 2015 to 2025.
They proposed that the review body be established by the Attorney General of the Federation in collaboration with the National Assembly and chaired by a respected judge, with representation from civil society, professional bodies, security agencies and political parties.
They also advocated embedding anti-corruption operatives into government payment systems to prevent financial crimes before they occur, alongside amendments to the EFCC Act to strengthen its preventive role and independence.
The opposition leaders urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend democratic values, warning that political injustice could fuel instability.
They also disclosed plans to engage international partners to raise concerns over what they described as the growing misuse of anti-corruption agencies for political ends.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, not a single party or individual, the statement concluded.
