By Atoyebi Nike
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of turning Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies into political tools aimed at weakening the opposition.
In a statement on Tuesday via his verified Facebook page, Atiku said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been “objectified” to pressure political opponents into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His remarks follow Monday’s detention of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over alleged financial misconduct and the EFCC’s invitation to former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha on separate corruption allegations.
Atiku argued that Tambuwal’s detention was politically motivated, describing it as part of an agenda to “harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition” ahead of the 2027 elections. He alleged a pattern in which corruption charges against opposition members disappear once they align with the ruling party.
“This is not the purpose for which we established the EFCC,” Atiku said, adding that such practices “stimulate corruption rather than curb it.” He urged civil society and the international community to condemn what he called the politicization of anti-corruption efforts.
The former vice president warned that opposition leaders would resist any attempt to push Nigeria toward a one-party state.
