Atiku's Outburst Accused of Mirroring Political Losses - APC Criticizes Atiku for EFCC Allegations
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially denied allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being politically weaponized, affirming the EFCC’s operational independence and disavowing any influence over its investigative processes.
This stance comes in response to claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and opposition groups, notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who accuse the APC-led government of using the EFCC to intimidate and coerce opposition politicians into defecting to APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku characterizes this as a deliberate political ploy to silence dissent and undermine democracy.
The ADC specifically criticized EFCC’s selective investigations targeting prominent opposition leaders like Aminu Tambuwal, alleging old cases are being suddenly revived against opposition figures while probes into some APC members were quietly dropped after defections.
In a statement, the APC's Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, accused Atiku of hypocrisy for allegedly undermining institutions he once professed to support while in office. Oladejo dismissed Atiku's comments as political grandstanding and urged him to focus on addressing unresolved issues in his public record.
The APC maintains its confidence in future elections and reiterates its commitment to the rule of law. President Bola Tinubu is said to remain unwavering in his commitment to the rule of law and has never interfered in the statutory duties of anti-corruption agencies, according to the APC.
Oladejo called on Nigerians to continue supporting the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and foster national prosperity. He added that law enforcement agencies must be allowed to do their jobs without interference or blackmail. The EFCC, as a statutory body acting strictly on credible intelligence and evidence, continues to carry out its constitutional mandate of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes without fear or favor, regardless of political affiliation.
Meanwhile, the APC in Lagos State has criticized Atiku Abubakar for allegedly attempting to distort facts and discredit the EFCC. Those with clean hands have no reason to be afraid, as stated by the APC, regarding the EFCC's operations.
In a recent outburst, Atiku Abubakar portrayed himself as an anti-corruption advocate, but is now accused of attempting to tarnish the image of institutions working to sanitize Nigeria's political and economic systems. Oladejo described Atiku's outburst as a reflection of a politician seeking relevance through sensationalism.
The APC, however, maintains its confidence in President Tinubu's governance, infrastructural development, and social investment. The party does not consider the opposition as a threat and does not require underhanded tactics to win elections, according to the APC.
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