ADC accuses EFCC of bias as Tambuwal detained over alleged N189bn misappropriation

ADC accuses EFCC of bias as Tambuwal detained over alleged N189bn misappropriation

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of selective prosecution, alleging that the anti-graft agency is being weaponised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress political opposition.

This comes as the EFCC on Monday detained former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, over allegations of illegally withdrawing over ₦189 billion during his eight-year tenure.

Tambuwal, a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:30 a.m. for questioning. Sources told The Guardian that he was detained after his interrogation and is expected to spend the night in custody as investigations continue.

The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Tambuwal’s detention but declined to provide further details.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the EFCC’s handling of high-profile cases, accusing the agency of operating under political influence rather than legal objectivity.

“In recent days, several senior members of the opposition coalition have received EFCC summons that are clearly politically motivated,” the ADC said. “These are not fresh cases arising from new evidence, but stale allegations being resurrected to intimidate political opponents.”

The ADC argued that the EFCC’s renewed focus on opposition leaders—while investigations into ruling party allies have seemingly disappeared—undermines its credibility and the larger fight against corruption.

“It does appear that in today’s Nigeria, one’s guilt or innocence depends on party affiliation, not evidence. This is selective prosecution, and selective prosecution is the death of justice,” the statement added.

Citing Tambuwal’s recent alignment with the ADC—despite his formal PDP membership—the party suggested that the EFCC’s action was retribution for his political stance. Tambuwal was recently quoted saying: “We’re still members of PDP, and we’re going nowhere, but we will work for ADC.”

The ADC warned that the continued politicisation of public institutions like the EFCC poses a grave threat to democracy and the rule of law.

“The EFCC was created to defend the people’s trust, not to serve as an enforcement arm of the ruling party. Nigerians must resist this dangerous descent into authoritarianism,” the party declared.

The ADC called on civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to speak out and demand accountability, fairness, and non-partisanship from state institutions.