A coalition of prominent Nigerian opposition leaders has issued a stern warning, accusing the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s administration of systematically using anti-corruption agencies to intimidate and persecute political opponents. In a joint statement released on Sunday, the leaders asserted that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, potentially pushing the country toward a de facto one-party state.

The coalition specifically implicated key state institutions, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging their weaponization under the guise of fighting corruption. According to the opposition, this represents a “dangerous and undemocratic agenda” aimed at ensuring that all state governments eventually fall under the control of the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), not through transparent electoral processes but through coercive and intimidatory tactics.

The joint statement was co-signed by high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark; former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi; former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George; and former Minister of State for Defence, Lawal Batagarawa.

The opposition leaders highlighted a discernible pattern of political pressure driving the recent defections of opposition governors to the ruling party, reinforcing public suspicion that coercion rather than genuine ideological alignment is at play. They argued that this broader project targets not only elected officials but also key opposition figures perceived as architects of emerging coalitions ahead of the crucial 2027 general election. They warned that state power is increasingly being deployed for the systematic persecution of perceived political adversaries, rather than for the prevention of economic crimes.

On elaborating on their allegations, the coalition accused the EFCC of selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws. They alleged that opposition figures are aggressively investigated and subjected to media trials, while allegations against members of the ruling party are frequently ignored or quietly dropped. The statement referenced a remark by a former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who once stated that “once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven” — a comment the opposition says has come to symbolize public perception of unequal justice. They also cited recent cases involving former ministers accused of financial and credential-related scandals who, despite public outrage and resignations, have yet to face prosecution, with some reportedly remaining active in the President’s re-election efforts. Such selective enforcement, they argued, severely undermines the credibility of anti-corruption efforts and erodes public trust in national institutions.

In response to these concerns, the opposition leaders called on the Attorney General of the Federation, in consultation with the National Assembly, to establish an independent review body. This body would be mandated to examine public accounts of federal, state, and local governments from 2015 to 2025, with unrestricted access to financial records. Its responsibilities would include publishing findings, exposing patterns of selective prosecution, and recommending reforms to strengthen the EFCC. The proposed panel, they said, should be chaired by an eminent judge and include representatives from civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Bankers, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, anti-graft agencies, the Police, the DSS, the Armed Forces, and all political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Moreover, the coalition proposed embedding anti-corruption operatives directly into government payment and expenditure processes at all levels, shifting focus from merely punishing financial crimes to preventing them outright. Drawing on recent Supreme Court rulings affirming the EFCC’s oversight over public accounts, they advocated for operatives to monitor expenditures both before and after payments, holding them accountable for any unreported infractions. They also urged amendments to the EFCC Act to strengthen its preventive mandate and institutional independence.

In their concluding remarks, the opposition leaders implored Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation, ethnicity, or religion to remain vigilant and collectively defend the country’s multi-party democracy. They warned that unchecked political injustice could spiral into instability as the nation approaches another election cycle. They further revealed plans to engage Nigeria’s international partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank, to express their concerns over the growing misuse of the EFCC for political purposes.

They concluded emphatically: “Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to a single party or a single leader,” urging citizens to break their silence and safeguard the nation’s democratic soul.