The Presidency has strongly dismissed allegations that it uses the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to harass opposition figures. Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga stated on Sunday that President Bola Tinubu will never deploy the anti-graft agency for political purposes.
Onanuga described claims by some opposition politicians that democracy is under threat as “baseless and self-serving.” He insisted that recent defections of politicians to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are voluntary, driven by confidence in President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Independence of Anti-Graft Agency
Onanuga emphasized that the EFCC is independent and operates within its statutory mandate.
“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute,” he stressed.
The Presidency urged those facing cases before the EFCC to defend themselves through due process rather than politicize accountability. Onanuga added that political affiliation should not shield anyone from investigation, noting that some critics had faced EFCC investigations even before Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
The statement concluded by urging political actors to respect national institutions and support the collective fight against corruption, dismissing the allegations as distractions from politicians lacking substantive issues to challenge the administration.
