The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of acting as a political tool for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, following the arrest of former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Tambuwal.
In a statement on Tuesday, HURIWA alleged that the EFCC’s recent actions form part of a broader intimidation campaign targeting opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tambuwal was reportedly detained over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion during his tenure as governor.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, claimed the arrest is a “politically orchestrated smokescreen” aimed at weakening the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition, which has declared its intention to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“The EFCC is no longer the fearless watchdog envisioned by law; it has been reduced to an obedient lapdog, deployed to do the dirty political work of the ruling All Progressives Congress,” the group said.
According to HURIWA, at least three former governors affiliated with the opposition have been summoned by the EFCC in recent days over what it described as “stale cases,” while corruption allegations involving APC members are ignored once they join the ruling party.
The group alleged that the timing of Tambuwal’s arrest, coming shortly after the coalition began strategic consultations, is no coincidence, describing it as “a crude attempt to break the spine of the opposition before the 2027 contest begins.”
HURIWA called on the National Assembly to summon EFCC leadership to explain the revival of old cases against opposition politicians. It also urged the international community to take note of what it termed “state-sponsored political persecution masquerading as anti-corruption.”
“The EFCC belongs to the Nigerian people and is funded by taxpayers. Every time it is misused for political vendetta, it robs the nation of credibility and deepens public cynicism about governance,” Onwubiko added.
The EFCC has maintained in past statements that it operates within its mandate and is not influenced by political considerations.
