The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has dismissed allegations by some political actors that it is being used as a tool to persecute opposition figures, insisting that its mandate is strictly to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, irrespective of political affiliation.
In a statement responding to what it described as a wave of accusations across the country, the commission said claims of the “weaponisation of the EFCC,” “erosion of its independence,” “persecution of opposition politicians,” and “politicisation of its operations” amount to a deliberate misrepresentation of its statutory responsibilities.
According to the EFCC, its authority and operational scope are clearly defined by its Establishment Act, which mandates the commission to investigate and prosecute all forms of economic and financial crimes. The commission stressed that this legal framework is the only guide for its actions, noting that it does not act on political considerations or external pressures.
“The commission’s weapon is its Establishment Act, which provides the ground norm for its activities,” the statement said. “The Act mandates the EFCC to investigate and prosecute all economic and financial crimes. The only exception is for political office holders who enjoy constitutional immunity during their tenure.”
The EFCC emphasised that individuals suspected of corrupt practices, whether they belong to the ruling party, opposition parties or have no political affiliation, do not enjoy immunity from investigation or prosecution once they are not covered by constitutional protection. It maintained that all suspects are treated equally under the law.
The commission pointed to its record of arrests and prosecutions over the past two years as evidence of its non partisan approach. It noted that prominent members of the ruling party, including former governors, ministers and other politically exposed persons, have been investigated and prosecuted alongside opposition figures and non partisan actors.
“A review of arrests and prosecutions by the commission under the current leadership shows that members of the ruling party are sharing the same dock with opposition politicians and other individuals,” the statement said. “This underscores the fact that the EFCC is faithful only to its mandate and nothing else.”
The anti graft agency rejected assertions by some opposition politicians that there is a deliberate pattern of persecution aimed at weakening opposition parties for the benefit of the ruling All Progressives Congress. It described such claims as untenable and lacking factual basis.
The EFCC questioned the logic behind describing lawful investigations as persecution, asking whether suspects accused of stealing public funds, embezzlement, contract fraud or money laundering should be shielded from scrutiny because of their political status.
“Where is the persecution in asking a suspect of corrupt practice to account for alleged sleaze?” the commission asked. “Is stealing, embezzlement of public funds, contract fraud, money laundering and other corrupt practices excusable for some individuals?”
It stressed that corruption is blind to political, ethnic, religious or gender considerations and that selective outrage cannot serve as a defence against lawful investigation. According to the EFCC, the key issue is whether those under investigation are being wrongly accused or whether there is prima facie evidence to justify probing their activities.
The commission warned that attempts to portray its work as politically motivated pose a greater threat to democracy than the investigations themselves. It argued that efforts to intimidate or blackmail the EFCC into abandoning investigations against certain individuals undermine the rule of law and weaken anti corruption institutions.
“What threatens democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but attempts to intimidate or blackmail it into abandoning investigations against corrupt individuals for fear of accusations of selectivity,” the statement said.
The EFCC further alleged that the sustained criticism from some opposition politicians is aimed at securing de facto immunity from prosecution for individuals who find themselves outside the ruling political structure. It described this as a veiled and self serving agenda that has no basis in the Nigerian Constitution or the EFCC Act.
According to the commission, both the Constitution and its enabling law impose a duty to act on credible evidence of corruption, regardless of the political position or affiliation of the suspect. It said granting immunity to politicians simply because they are in opposition would be alien to Nigeria’s legal framework.
The EFCC also dismissed suggestions that its enabling Act should be amended to appease aggrieved political actors, cautioning that such moves may not serve the national interest. It said any legislative review of the law should be guided by the need to strengthen, not weaken, the fight against corruption.
The commission reaffirmed that it would not succumb to blackmail or compromise its investigations in order to appear politically balanced. It maintained that its operations would continue to be driven by evidence, due process and the rule of law.
In concluding, the EFCC called on well meaning, reform minded and patriotic Nigerians to support its anti corruption mandate, describing the fight against graft as essential to restoring dignity, accountability and public trust in governance.
The statement ended with an appeal for national solidarity in the fight against corruption, stressing that the success of the EFCC’s work depends on collective commitment to transparency and justice.
