The EFCC is investigating former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals of N189bn, sparking claims of political targeting by the opposition ADC.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has triggered a political storm after interrogating former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals of N189 billion, with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing the anti-graft agency of political witch-hunting.
Tambuwal, a key figure in the ADC-led coalition working to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, was grilled for hours at the EFCC’s Abuja headquarters on Monday. An EFCC source revealed: “The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. The governor arrived the EFCC’s headquarters around 11:30am and faced interrogators on the alleged financial crime.”
The ADC has raised alarm over what it calls a coordinated attack on opposition leaders, with National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi confirming: “Yes, they have summoned our members, but I won’t give you names. There are three of them, former governors…This is an attempt to force them to leave the coalition.”
In a scathing statement, the ADC accused the EFCC of selective prosecution, alleging: “The Commission now operates like a department of the APC, deployed to fight government critics and opposition figures…Meanwhile, we have observed how investigations into ruling party allies quietly fade away.”
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale fired back: “This position is patently untenable and ridiculous. Where are the facts and statistics to justify such a claim? Those who did the crime should be ready to have their time in court.”
The development has exposed growing cracks in the opposition alliance, with Peter Obi’s Obidient Movement complaining of marginalization within the coalition. Movement coordinator Tanko Yunusa lamented: “Several of our designated representatives are reportedly being excluded from crucial meetings where major decisions are made.”
As political tensions escalate, the EFCC’s actions have intensified scrutiny on Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, with critics warning that perceived partisan investigations could undermine public trust in democratic institutions ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.