Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected allegations that it is being weaponised against opposition politicians, insisting its recent investigations cut across party lines and are driven solely by its legal mandate to combat corruption nationwide.
In a statement released on Monday from Abuja, the anti-graft agency said its operations remain guided by the EFCC Establishment Act and not by partisan considerations, after opposition leaders accused the commission of pursuing a political agenda against rivals of the ruling party.
The EFCC said claims of “weaponisation” of the agency and persecution of opposition figures misrepresent its statutory role in investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes.
According to the commission, its “only weapon” is its founding law, which it said requires it to act against all suspects except those enjoying constitutional immunity while in office.
The EFCC statement highlights that corruption “has no gender, religion, tribe or political party,” warning that blackmail and intimidation would not stop ongoing investigations.
“Where is persecution in asking a suspect of corrupt practice to account for his sleaze?” the commission asked, insisting it would not rush or “railroad” cases to appear non-selective.
The agency further cautioned that attempts to weaken or delegitimise law enforcement pose a greater danger to democracy than its lawful activities. It called on “reform-minded and patriotic Nigerians” to support its “dignity-restoring mandate.”
