The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have cautioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration against turning anti-corruption agencies into political tools to pressure opposition members into joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). This warning comes amid a wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC, with many suspecting that anti-corruption bodies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are being used to coerce opposition figures.
The defections of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, along with lawmakers and other government and party officials, have sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. While the APC attributes the wave of defections to President Tinubu’s successful reforms and growing popularity, opposition parties see it as a result of alleged intimidation and pressure from anti-corruption agencies.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, claimed that Tinubu’s administration has been using anti-corruption agencies as tools to intimidate and pressure Nigerians. “This government has weaponised anti-corruption institutions and others to coerce people to come into their party,” Ologunagba said. He warned that such actions pose a danger to the country’s democracy, emphasizing that anti-corruption agencies should investigate and conclude cases based on merit, not political affiliation.
NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, also warned that actions suggesting the use of anti-graft agencies as political tools would have consequences. “What goes around comes around,” Johnson said, expressing concern that officials leading these agencies seem more loyal to the President than to the Constitution and the country. He urged that institutions should remain impartial and carry out their duties in line with the constitution and laws of the land.
The ICPC has been actively engaged in various anti-corruption efforts, including partnering with other agencies to promote transparency and accountability. Recently, the commission docked a former Court of Appeal staff for job racketeering and strengthened ties with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to fight corruption. The ICPC has also convened a regional conference of Attorneys-General from Nigeria’s South-South geo-political zone to deepen anti-corruption strategies.
The PDP and NNPP’s warnings highlight the potential risks of politicizing anti-corruption agencies and the importance of ensuring that these institutions remain independent and impartial. As Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve, it is crucial that institutions are protected from political interference and allowed to carry out their mandates without fear or favor.
