EFCC Chairman Slaps Down Claims of Political Bias over APC Defections
Investigation Conducted, Leading Members of APC Charged – EFCC Responds to Accusations of Focusing on Opposition Parties
In the wake of high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been accused of targeting opposition members. However, Chairman Ola Olukoyede firmly denies such allegations, stating there's no political interference in the agency's operations.
Addressing the issue on Channels Television, Olukoyede admitted that the EFCC's records might attest to more APC members under investigation compared to opposition politicians. He explained, "If you scrutinize our work--investigations, prosecutions, especially high-profile cases--you may find more members of the ruling party among those we've charged."
The EFCC chairman highlighted the ongoing investigation into Okowa, stating that it had commenced prior to his defection, hence indicating the inquiry isn't politically motivated.
Despite a record of 4,111 convictions in 2024 across its zonal offices [4], critics argue that such figures might include low-level cases while high-profile individuals evade accountability. Accusations of anti-corruption agencies being used as political tools, particularly since 1999, persist [5].
However, skepticism about systemic fairness remains, fueled by longstanding perceptions of the EFCC targeting opposition figures or "small fries" while shielding influential actors [5]. The recent defections and related allegations underscore ongoing tensions between official narratives and public distrust.
Notwithstanding the claims, Olukoyede commended President Tinubu's leadership style, praising him for his emphasis on performance and accountability from public officials. "I believe Nigerians should appreciate the kind of President we have right now, and I mean that sincerely—not because I hold this position," Olukoyede stated. "Those who work closely with the President, including members of the Federal Executive Council and heads of ministries and agencies, know that he's always asking: 'What have you done? How much have you recovered?'"
[1] - Nigerian Tribune[2] - Premium Times[3] - The Guardian[4] - EFCC Annual Report 2024[5] - BBC News
- The EFCC, under Chairman Ola Olukoyede, denies allegations of targeting opposition members despite high-profile defections to the APC, such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa.
- Olukoyede boldly asserted that there's no political interference in EFCC's operations, stating that the investigation into Okowa commenced prior to his defection to the APC.
- In an interview on Channels Television, Olukoyede admitted that more APC members might be under EFCC's investigations due to the higher number of high-profile cases in the party.
- Critics argue that the EFCC's record of 4,111 convictions in 2024 might include low-level cases while high-profile individuals evade accountability.
- Accusations of the EFCC targeting opposition figures or "small fries" while shielding influential actors persist, fueling skepticism about systemic fairness.
- President Tinubu has been praised by EFCC Chairman Olukoyede for his emphasis on performance and accountability from public officials.
- Olukoyede commended President Tinubu's leadership, stating that he always asks about recovered funds and achievements from his subordinates.
- Despite ongoing allegations and public distrust, the recent political news in Naija, including defections and related investigations by the EFCC, underscore ongoing tensions between official narratives and the general public's perceptions. [Policy-and-legislation, Politics, General-news]
