A coalition of prominent opposition leaders has raised alarm over what it described as the growing politicisation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and security agencies, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to intimidate and weaken opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a joint statement signed by former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mallam Lawal Batagawara, Chief Bode George, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the leaders alleged that agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been turned into instruments of “selective justice” and political persecution.
The opposition figures warned that the alleged abuse of state power poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, stressing that anti-graft institutions are increasingly perceived as tools for silencing dissent rather than combating corruption.
According to the statement, there is a growing pattern in which opposition governors and political leaders are allegedly pressured through anti-corruption investigations to defect to the ruling party. The signatories claimed that recent defections have reinforced public suspicion that coercion, rather than ideology or persuasion, is driving political realignments.
They further alleged that opposition figures seen as central to emerging political coalitions ahead of 2027 are being deliberately targeted, warning that such actions could undermine democratic stability if left unchecked.
The coalition also accused the EFCC of operating with bias, citing what it described as a stark contrast between the treatment of opposition figures and members of the ruling party. They referenced past remarks by a former APC national chairman suggesting that defectors to the ruling party were absolved of wrongdoing, arguing that the comment reflects a troubling reality of selective enforcement.
In highlighting recent examples, the opposition leaders pointed to cases involving former ministers allegedly implicated in scandals who, they claimed, have not faced prosecution despite public outrage, while opposition figures are swiftly investigated and subjected to media trials.
The statement expressed concern that the EFCC’s independence is being eroded, warning that the continued perception of injustice could fuel political tension and instability as the country approaches another election cycle.
As part of their demands, the opposition leaders called for the immediate depoliticisation of the EFCC, a return to its statutory mandate, and stronger safeguards to protect Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. They also advocated embedding anti-corruption operatives in government payment processes to prevent financial crimes, rather than focusing solely on post-expenditure prosecutions.
Additionally, the coalition proposed the establishment of an independent review body, chaired by an eminent judge, to conduct a comprehensive audit of public accounts at the federal, state, and local government levels from 2015 to 2025. They said the findings should be made public and used to strengthen the EFCC’s enabling law.
The leaders concluded with a call to Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious lines to defend democracy, warning that silence in the face of alleged institutional abuse could endanger the nation’s future.
They also announced plans to engage international partners and diplomatic missions to express concerns over what they described as the growing use of anti-graft agencies as political tools.
The statement was jointly signed by David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Mallam Lawal Batagawara, Chief Bode George, Peter Obi, and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.