Amanze Chinonye
Prominent opposition leaders have raised the alarm over what they described as an escalating threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, accusing the administration of President Tinubu of weaponising state institutions to intimidate and weaken political opponents, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a joint press statement issued on Sunday, the opposition figures alleged that key law enforcement and anti-graft agencies particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are increasingly being deployed for selective justice and political persecution rather than the impartial fight against corruption.
The statement was jointly signed by former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Chief Bode George and Mallam Lawal Batagarawa.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe signatories warned that the trend poses “a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic future” as the country approaches the 2027 general election.
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According to the opposition leaders, there is growing public suspicion that anti-corruption agencies are being used to pressure opposition governors and political figures into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), thereby paving the way for what they described as a “de facto one-party state.”
They argued that recent defections from opposition parties have reinforced perceptions that coercion, rather than ideological alignment, is driving political realignments.
“The deployment of state power appears increasingly aimed at weakening opposition voices and dismantling Nigeria’s multiparty democracy,” the statement said.
The opposition further alleged a pattern of selective enforcement by the EFCC, claiming that allegations against ruling party members are ignored while opposition figures are subjected to investigation, arrest and what they termed “media trials.”
They cited cases of former ministers who resigned amid public scandals but are yet to be charged, contrasting this with what they described as swift and aggressive actions against opposition politicians.
According to the statement, such practices undermine public confidence in anti-corruption efforts and erode the credibility of institutions meant to uphold accountability.
As part of their demands, the opposition leaders called for the immediate depoliticisation of the EFCC and a return to its statutory mandate as provided under Sections 6 and 7 of its enabling Act.
They also proposed far-reaching reforms, including the establishment of an independent review body to examine public accounts of the federal, state and local governments between 2015 and 2025, with powers to publish its findings.
In addition, they called for anti-graft operatives to be embedded directly into government payment and expenditure processes at all levels as a preventive measure against corruption, alongside amendments to the EFCC Act to strengthen its capacity for both pre- and post-expenditure oversight.
The proposed review body, they said, should be chaired by an eminent judge and include representatives of civil society, professional bodies, security agencies, anti-graft institutions and all political parties represented in the National Assembly.
The opposition leaders also disclosed plans to engage Nigeria’s international partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, United Nations and the World Bank, to express concerns over what they described as the growing politicisation of anti-corruption agencies.
They urged Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious lines to remain vigilant and defend democratic values, warning that silence in the face of perceived injustice could endanger the nation’s stability.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us not to a single party or a single leader,” the statement concluded.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
