Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of weaponizing the fight against corruption to target political opponents, following the detention of former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that Tambuwal’s arrest was politically motivated, describing it as part of a broader plan to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition coalition.
Atiku claimed that, “The only reason the EFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State is because he is a member of the opposition coalition.
“It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to coerce opposition leaders into the ruling party.”
According to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, recent events show a disturbing trend where the anti-graft agency is allegedly used as a tool to pressure political figures. He warned that such actions could erode democratic institutions and deepen corruption rather than curb it.
“It is as though anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations and as soon as they are coerced into the political agenda of President Tinubu, their so-called sins are forgiven, he said.
Atiku, who played a role in the establishment of the EFCC during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed disappointment that the agency is allegedly being diverted from its core mandate.
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“That is not how to build institutions. That is not how to fight the monster of corruption, indeed, such tendencies provide the stimulant for corruption to thrive,” he stated.
Atiku also alleged that similar tactics had been used in the past to compel opposition governors to defect to the ruling party, warning that the tea party is not about to end anytime soon.
While affirming his support for a genuine anti-corruption drive, Atiku urged civil society groups, Nigerians, and the international community to speak out against what he described as anti-democratic machinations aimed at railroading the country into a one-party dictatorship.
“The fight against corruption should be a national cause, not a political weapon,” he said.
