Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have condemned the arrest and detention of former Sokoto State Governor and past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Tambuwal, a serving senator and key member of the opposition coalition, was reportedly picked up by EFCC operatives on Monday over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that Tambuwal’s arrest was politically motivated, describing it as part of the Tinubu administration’s plot to weaken the opposition.
“The only reason the EFCC has detained former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is because he is a member of the opposition coalition. It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition,” Atiku said.
The former vice president accused the government of turning the anti-graft war into a political weapon, noting that opposition figures were being targeted with “phantom corruption allegations” while those who defect to the ruling party have their “sins” forgiven.
He further warned that using the EFCC to coerce political leaders into joining the ruling party could lead Nigeria toward a “one-party dictatorship,” urging civil society and the international community to speak out.
Similarly, Peter Obi, in his reaction, stressed that the anti-corruption fight must be transparent and impartial to earn public trust.
“I look forward to the time when the anti-corruption fight in this country will be under one law that applies to all, no matter who is involved, and not one targeting political opponents and perceived enemies of the incumbent government,” Obi said in astatement also on Tuesday.
The former Anambra State governor urged EFCC operatives to be guided by conscience and the rule of law, warning that political bias undermines the credibility of the agency’s work.
“A corruption-free Nigeria is possible only if our fight is transparent,” Obi added.
