Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of turning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into a tool for political persecution.
Atiku’s outrage followed Monday’s detention of former Sokoto State governor and opposition senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, by the EFCC over alleged corruption.
In a strongly-worded statement on Tuesday, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate described Tambuwal’s arrest as “a continuation of Tinubu’s agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.”
“The fight against corruption has been reduced to a political weapon,” Atiku declared.
“If you are in the opposition, you are suddenly flooded with phantom corruption charges.
“But the moment you cross over to Tinubu’s camp, your sins are miraculously forgiven.”
The former vice president, who was instrumental in the establishment of the EFCC during the Obasanjo administration, said he never envisioned the anti-graft agency being used to “empty opposition governors into the ruling party” through coercion.
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He warned that Nigeria was on a dangerous path toward a one-party state, urging civil society, Nigerians, and the international community to reject what he called “anti-democratic machinations.”
“This is not institution-building; it is institution-wrecking,” Atiku said.
“We will never succumb to the agenda of railroading our democracy into a one-party dictatorship.”
The EFCC had yet to comment on Atiku’s allegations as of press time, while Tambuwal remained in custody.
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