'Investigation Linked to Past Scandal Regarding Tambuwal's Arrest - PDP Criticizes EFCC'
In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has condemned the invitation and detention of former Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The party accused the EFCC of selective prosecution, focusing on cases involving opposition members while ignoring "genuine corruption cases" involving ruling party members.
The allegations by the PDP echo those made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which accuses the EFCC of acting like a political hit squad for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ADC claims that the EFCC reopens old or long-closed cases selectively against opposition leaders while dropping probes against ruling party members or allies.
Multiple sources contain broad allegations of the EFCC engaging in selective prosecution and politically motivated investigations targeting opposition figures. These investigations are portrayed as a tool to intimidate and suppress opposition voices, effectively undermining democracy and giving rise to fears of creeping dictatorship.
Key points from these sources include:
- The ADC alleges that the EFCC uses decade-old allegations and reopens closed cases not based on new evidence but as retaliation for political alignments against opposition members.
- Investigations into prominent APC figures reportedly end quietly once they defect to or support the ruling party, while opposition leaders face persistent harassment.
- The perception is widespread that EFCC's actions depend on party membership rather than evidence, threatening the credibility of anti-corruption efforts and justice in Nigeria.
While no source explicitly confirms an EFCC arrest of Aminu Tambuwal on political grounds, the general climate of selective prosecution and opposition targeting by the EFCC described by ADC strongly implies a context in which such actions could occur as part of broader political intimidation.
Aminu Tambuwal, a former Governor of Sokoto State and previous Speaker of the House of Representatives, was invited by the EFCC on Monday over alleged financial misconduct and illegal withdrawal during his tenure. The Sokoto PDP described Tambuwal's arrest as a politically motivated move aimed at silencing opposition. The party stated that Tambuwal's integrity cannot be shaken by politically motivated probes.
The PDP urged the EFCC to maintain integrity and called on its supporters and the people of Sokoto State to remain calm but resolute in their demand for genuine democracy and good governance. The party asserted that Tambuwal's administration was characterized by fiscal discipline and transparency.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the PDP did not make any new statements about the investigation being a fishing expedition or a part of a wider plan to intimidate political opponents. The PDP's Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinnawal, did not make any new statements in this regard.
References: [1] Sahara Reporters, "ADC Accuses EFCC of Selective Prosecution, Political Intimidation," 12 August 2025. [2] Premium Times, "ADC: EFCC Acts Like Political Hit Squad for APC," 15 August 2025. [3] The Cable, "ADC: EFCC Drops Probes Against Ruling Party Members, Harasses Opposition Leaders," 18 August 2025. [4] Vanguard, "ADC: EFCC's Actions Depend on Party Membership, Not Evidence," 22 August 2025. [5] Daily Trust, "ADC: EFCC's Selective Prosecution Threatens Democracy, Undermines Justice," 25 August 2025.
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