Panic has set in within the African Democratic Congress as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly focuses on prominent members of the 2027 coalition, which aims to oust President Bola Tinubu during the upcoming election.
This follows the EFCC's interrogation of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, a coalition associate, regarding alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling N189bn. Tambuwal, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:30 am for questioning by investigators.
An EFCC source revealed that the withdrawals are believed to breach the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The source stated, “Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal is under questioning for alleged fraudulent withdrawals amounting to N189 billion.”
Another EFCC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Tambuwal is currently in custody at the Abuja headquarters as the investigation continues.
When approached for comments, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale refrained from discussing the matter, but ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed that three former governors, who are vital coalition figures, had been summoned by the anti-graft agency.
Abdullahi explained, “Yes, they have summoned our members, but I cannot disclose their names. Three former governors are involved. Some of them are currently National Assembly members, while others are not. Some left office in 2023, and some even earlier. This is a tactic to intimidate them into distancing themselves from the coalition, but we are resolute in our mission to save Nigeria.”
In a prior statement on Monday, Abdullahi accused the EFCC of compromising its integrity by revisiting old cases against opposition politicians while ignoring allegations against members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The EFCC responded by refuting claims of being a political tool for the APC, emphasizing that opposition members guilty of wrongdoing will be prosecuted. The ADC, however, expressed concern that biased investigations favoring the ruling party erode public trust and undermine the battle against corruption.
The ADC's statement asserted, “Recently, several senior members of the Opposition Coalition received EFCC summons that seem politically motivated. These are not new cases based on fresh evidence, rather renewed files triggered by new political affiliations aimed at intimidating key opposition figures.
The EFCC was established as a defender of the Nigerian people's trust, enforcing the law impartially. However, it now appears compromised, functioning as an APC department targeting government critics and opposition figures to achieve what the government cannot accomplish through public discourse.”
Moreover, the ADC pointed out that while opposition investigations face revival based on stale allegations, akin cases involving ruling party allies slip away without scrutiny.
They advocated for public recognition of the EFCC’s ownership by the Nigerian populace, funded by taxpayers, and not exclusively by the APC.
Reacting, the EFCC spokesman labeled ADC’s accusations as unfounded, challenging the party to substantiate its claims with evidence.
He stated, “This stance is clearly untenable and absurd. Where are the facts to support such assertions? The commission operates according to its mandate, which does not affiliate it with any political party.”
Various sources within the coalition, speaking anonymously, indicated that the EFCC’s actions have instigated anxiety among coalition members. One source remarked, “Many of our coalition members are troubled by this overt display of power from the EFCC, which appears to be a tool for those in governance. Nonetheless, we remain committed to advocating for a better Nigeria.”
This situation exacerbates the ongoing turmoil within the opposition coalition, prompting several prominent politicians to withdraw from the group recently.
In a document dated July 29, 2025, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, accused the coalition of sidelining its members despite their crucial roles in fortifying the political bloc.
He voiced grievances over the exclusion of Peter Obi’s supporters from significant discussions.
While confirming Peter Obi’s intent to align with the coalition for the 2027 general election, Yunusa emphasized that he is not striving for recognition within the coalition's hierarchy.
In parallel developments, former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode expressed his support for the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election aspirations, dismissing speculations of a governorship ambition under the ADC as false reports aimed at creating distractions.
Similarly, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC in response to claims that he co-founded the ADC coalition with Rotimi Amaechi before its expansion. He stressed the lack of credible evidence backing such statements and confirmed his dedication to the APC.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also rejected reports linking him to the opposition coalition, labeling them as falsehoods and asserting that he has not engaged with coalition members.
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President, has delayed plans to obtain his ADC membership card amid speculation over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential candidacy in the 2027 race. The ceremony set for August 6 has been postponed without explanation.
Moreover, the ADC’s 2023 gubernatorial candidates urged the opposition coalition to adhere to due processes during leadership transitions, endorsing the leadership of Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala following the resignation of National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu.
Bala expressed gratitude for the endorsement and emphasized his commitment to internal democracy, party stability, and strategic partnerships in advancing the ADC’s vision for Nigeria.