Atiku Abubakar Alleges APC-led Government Uses EFCC to Intimidate Opposition Ahead of 2027 Elections

Abuja, Nigeria Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government is weaponizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a tool to intimidate and coerce opposition politicians into joining the party.

In a statement released on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Atiku criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for using the anti-corruption agency as a political weapon rather than an impartial institution dedicated to fighting corruption.

He specifically condemned the recent detention of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal asserting that the EFCC’s actions are politically motivated to harass and weaken opposition coalitions aiming to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku said, “The only reason the EFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition Coalition. This is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harass, intimidate and decimate the opposition.”

He further accused the government of coercing opposition politicians through such intimidation tactics, stating that the fight against corruption was being objectified as a political tool to pressure defections to the APC.

According to Atiku individuals who align with the ruling party appear to be forgiven of alleged corruption sins, fostering an environment where corruption might thrive under political cover.

Atiku called on civil society groups and Nigeria’s international partners to condemn the politicization of anti-corruption agencies and warned against efforts that would lead the nation toward a one-party dictatorship.

The former Vice President vowed that opposition leaders will resist attempts to subvert democratic processes through such draconian measures.

The EFCC recently detained Tambuwal and invited former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha over alleged financial misconduct moves which have triggered widespread accusations of political witch-hunting by the ruling party.

The controversy underscores growing concerns about the use of state institutions for political purposes ahead of the crucial 2027 elections with many Nigerians and observers calling for the preservation of institutional integrity and the rule of law.