Atiku Accuses Tinubu Government of Using EFCC to Silence Opposition
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of turning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into a political tool to go after opposition figures.
Atiku made the statement while reacting to the detention of former Sokoto State Governor and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. According to him, Tambuwal’s arrest is part of a larger plan to “harass, intimidate, and weaken” the opposition.
“The only reason the EFCC detained Senator Tambuwal is because he belongs to the opposition coalition,” Atiku said. “This is just another step in the Tinubu government’s agenda to silence its political rivals.”
Atiku, who helped establish the EFCC during his time in office, claimed the agency’s original purpose is being twisted. He alleged that corruption charges are now being used as threats to force opposition politicians into joining the ruling party.
“Once they switch sides, their so-called crimes are suddenly forgiven,” he said, warning that this practice destroys the integrity of institutions and encourages more corruption.
The former Vice President also pointed to a “dangerous trend” where anti-corruption agencies are allegedly being used to pressure governors and other political leaders into defecting to the ruling party.
He called on Nigerians, civil society groups, and the international community to reject what he described as “anti-democratic tactics” that could push the country towards a one-party system.
“We will never bow to these methods. The fight against corruption should be real, not used for political gain,” Atiku added.