Presidency accuses opposition leaders of subterfuge and scapegoating, stressing EFCC independence and accountability in anti-corruption efforts
The Presidency has criticised key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark; PDP Board of Trustees member Chief Bode George; Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi; former ADP National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; and Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, accusing them of subterfuge and seeking scapegoats.
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The remarks, delivered through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, came in response to a statement issued by the opposition, which alleged threats to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and claimed that anti-corruption agencies were being weaponised to target political opponents.
In the statement, the Presidency described the opposition as “failed politicians” attempting to confuse the public and distract from the government’s achievements.
It emphasised that the EFCC operates independently and investigates financial crimes without interference, irrespective of political affiliation.
The government cited President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and the voluntary movement of politicians to the All Progressives Congress as evidence of Nigeria’s thriving democracy.
Onanuga questioned the opposition’s claims, recalling that similar party migrations between 2000 and 2015 did not imperil the nation’s democratic processes.
Highlighting accountability, the statement reaffirmed that everyone, regardless of status, is subject to the law.
The Presidency stressed that allegations of EFCC weaponisation are “distractions from politicians running short of campaign issues” and called for opposition figures to allow due process to operate without undermining institutional integrity.
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The statement concluded by urging politicians to embrace collective responsibility in fighting corruption rather than promoting politicised narratives.
