The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has rejected accusations by the African Democratic Congress that its investigations into opposition politicians are politically motivated.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 12, the anti-graft agency insisted that it remains non-partisan and that its work is based solely on evidence. The statement, signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, stressed: “Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There is no sacred cow, protected interest, or partisan consideration in the investigation and prosecution of corruption.”
The EFCC’s response came after the ADC alleged that the Commission was targeting opposition leaders through politically motivated summons linked to their political affiliations rather than new evidence. The EFCC dismissed the claims as “self-serving, diversionary, narrow, and idle,” maintaining that “every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated, and there is no constraint of time and season in criminal investigations.”
The Commission noted that it is also probing senior members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, including sitting governors and ministers. “Available records in our courts show that several political figures from all divides are answering charges of alleged economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption,” it stated.
Reaffirming its independence, the EFCC reminded the public that it is funded by taxpayers and not owned by any political party. “The EFCC does not belong to the APC. It belongs to the Nigerian people,” Oyewale declared.
The Commission urged political parties to focus on their internal matters and allow it to carry out its duties without interference. It also vowed to maintain the confidentiality of ongoing cases. “The Commission will not be blackmailed into making full disclosures of its discreet investigations of any state or non-state actor, no matter the provocation. All well-meaning Nigerians are enjoined to ignore political statements meant to heat up the polity and divert attention from the pillage of the national treasury,” Oyewale said.
