Former Vice President Atiku slams EFCC, warning that Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight is dangerously deviating from its original mission. He described the current approach as a political witch-hunt, targeting individuals for partisan reasons. Atiku’s statement came after the arrest of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
In a statement titled, “Anti-Corruption Fight Has Derailed Into a Full-Blown Political Witch-Hunt,” Atiku accused the EFCC of abandoning its founding principles. He said the agency now weaponizes its powers for narrow political agendas rather than upholding justice.
“Instead of upholding justice, the agency is now serving narrow political agendas,” Atiku said.
He warned the EFCC and other anti-graft bodies to purge partisan influences or risk permanently losing public trust.
Politicization Undermines Credibility
Atiku emphasized that selective targeting of politicians has undermined EFCC’s credibility. He stated:
“The politicisation of corruption investigations has rendered the EFCC’s credibility suspect and rubbished the ideals that inspired its creation. The EFCC now operates like a political rottweiler, deployed to intimidate politicians into joining the APC. Once they bow to pressure, corruption cases mysteriously vanish.”
He described the pursuit of Malami as “shameless” and urged the agency to return to impartiality.
The former Vice President stressed that Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight must remain independent. He insisted that agencies like EFCC should resist political influence, maintain public confidence, and restore credibility.
“Partisan loyalty cannot replace integrity. The EFCC must act fairly and restore trust before it is too late,” Atiku added.
By reiterating these points, Atiku slams EFCC as a warning to the agency and other anti-graft bodies. He urged a return to principles of fairness, transparency, and justice in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
