The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned of coordinated campaigns of calumny allegedly being orchestrated by politicians and vested interest groups determined to weaken its anti-corruption drive.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said individuals with “vested interests in suspects being investigated or facing prosecution” have mobilised politicians, academics, “so-called civil society activists” and Nigerian fugitives abroad to sponsor media attacks against the commission and its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
According to Oyewale, the alleged plot is designed to cast the EFCC as politically selective in carrying out its responsibilities.
He said the ultimate aim is to intimidate the commission and discourage it from probing opposition politicians, for fear of being branded partisan.
“This campaign is likely to intensify as the political space becomes charged, in the months leading to the 2027 general election,” the statement reads.
“The Commission wishes to put those recruited into this ignoble enterprise on notice that their activities are under close watch, and EFCC will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
Reaffirming the EFCC’s non-partisan posture, Oyewale said the commission’s activities cut across political divides, stressing that members of both the ruling and opposition parties are currently under investigation or facing prosecution.
“Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission,” he added.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Commentaries about presumption of innocence of a defendant in court are in line with the provisions of the Constitution and not intended as defence of any individual or group.
“Additionally, the Commission has no alliance or working relationship with any political party. All these facts are unassailable.
“The EFCC will not be pressured or blackmailed into making public disclosures of politically exposed persons being investigated for one alleged corruption case or the other.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate.”