On Monday, May 12, the Citizens Forum for Transparency and Integrity (CFTI), a civil society organization, accused ex-EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa of allegedly conspiring with opposition figures and “third force” actors to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released in Lagos, the group claimed Bawa held secret meetings in London with key political figures where plans were discussed to leverage his past connections within the EFCC to initiate corruption investigations against four prominent cabinet ministers.
According to CFTI President Alhaji Aminu Mustapha Gidado, the move is a strategic attempt to discredit the administration and erode public confidence before the next electoral cycle.
The ministers allegedly targeted include David Umahi, Atiku Bagudu, Bello Matawalle—all former governors—and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The group alleged Bawa is motivated by resentment over his 2023 removal and has been promised a political appointment in a potential opposition-led government, where he would oversee key anti-corruption agencies.
