ADC Accuses EFCC of Selective Justice Against Opposition
The African Democratic Congress has raised serious allegations against Nigeria’s primary anti-graft agencies, claiming they are being used as political tools. National spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi voiced these concerns during a Thursday interview on Arise Television, questioning the impartiality of national investigations.
Abdullahi’s comments focused on the recent high-profile arrests and detentions of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. He argued that the timing and targets of such actions suggest a partisan bias rather than a neutral pursuit of justice.
The spokesman highlighted that both the EFCC and the ICPC are public institutions meant to serve the entire nation regardless of political affiliation. He noted, “We have the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, two national institutions funded by public money to probe and investigate corruption charges and prosecute people for corruption practices.”
However, the ADC contends that the efficiency of these bodies seems to fluctuate based on an individual’s party membership. Abdullahi remarked, “But they appear to be only efficient and effective when opposition figures are involved. And we are concerned that national institutions are being turned into partisan agents.”
The party further alleged that joining the ruling All Progressives Congress often serves as a shield against ongoing legal scrutiny. Abdullahi pointed out that many individuals with existing court cases or past investigations seem to find immunity once they align with the government.
Describing the trend as a “broom” sweeping records clean, he criticized the perceived double standard within the ruling party’s ranks. He explained, “Because all you need to do is to look at the side of the government and see the kind of individuals in the rank of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. People who still have cases in court, people who have been investigated in the past, but suddenly the moment they join the ruling party, they use the broom to sweep it under the carpet.”
Ultimately, the ADC clarified that their grievance is with the erosion of institutional integrity rather than the specific guilt of those detained. Abdullahi concluded, “So we are not saying El-Rufai or Malami is guilty or not guilty. We are concerned about the bastardization of national institutions and weaponization of institutions against the opposition figures.”
