EFCC targeting David Mark after Tambuwal, Ihedioha – ADC

ADC Accuses EFCC of Political Targeting as Crackdown on Opposition Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of selectively targeting opposition leaders under the guise of corruption investigations. According to the ADC, this alleged political persecution is part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition forces ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The party’s acting National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, issued a press statement on Tuesday expressing deep concern over what he described as a pattern of “choreographed media trials” and politically driven harassment. The party specifically cited the detention of former Sokoto State Governor and opposition coalition leader, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and the recent EFCC invitation issued to another opposition figure, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

Abdullahi revealed that the EFCC has recently resumed investigations into the tenure of David Mark, a former Senate President and the ADC’s current Interim National Chairman. Mark, who left the Senate leadership position nearly a decade ago, is now being scrutinized for actions taken during his time in office, which the ADC finds suspicious and politically motivated.

EFCC digs up David Mark’s files

“The EFCC has suddenly become interested in cases from ten years ago, choosing to dig into files from David Mark’s time in office while ignoring more recent and well-documented corruption allegations involving key figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” Abdullahi said. He alleged that this double standard demonstrates a troubling form of selective justice, aimed at intimidating opposition leaders while shielding ruling party members from scrutiny.

The ADC contended that the ongoing investigations are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate strategy orchestrated by the APC to destabilize opposition coalitions. “The ruling party’s desperation is evident. With general elections only two years away, this witch-hunt disguised as an anti-corruption campaign is clearly meant to stifle dissent and discredit credible leaders in the opposition,” Abdullahi added.

He further questioned the sudden urgency in investigating Emeka Ihedioha, who served a brief term of just seven months as Governor of Imo State between May 2019 and January 2020, before being removed by the Supreme Court. “Five years later, why is the EFCC only now showing interest in his tenure?” he asked, pointing to what he described as the agency’s calculated attempt to generate negative headlines and cast doubt on the integrity of opposition leaders.

Concerns of Political agenda behind EFCC raid

Adding his voice to the growing criticisms, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar released a statement on his verified Facebook page, accusing President Bola Tinubu of weaponizing the fight against corruption. According to Atiku, the Tinubu administration is using the EFCC as a political tool to intimidate and silence opposition voices.

“The only reason Senator Aminu Tambuwal is in EFCC custody is because he is a prominent member of the opposition coalition. This is not about justice; it is a continuation of the administration’s oppressive agenda to marginalize and destroy all political opposition,” Atiku said. He also criticized the pattern of forgiving corruption allegations once opposition figures defect to the ruling party. “Once a person joins Tinubu’s political camp, their sins miraculously disappear. This is not justice—it is political blackmail masquerading as accountability,” Atiku said, warning that such tactics only deepen corruption instead of fighting it.

Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the EFCC’s actions, describing the commission as a “politicized tool” of the ruling party. In a statement released on Tuesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, alleged that the government is using the EFCC to neutralize opposition forces before the 2027 elections. “The handwriting is clearly on the wall. The EFCC is no longer operating as the independent watchdog it was meant to be. Instead, it acts as an obedient lapdog for the ruling party’s political agenda,” Onwubiko asserted.

HURIWA condemns actions of EFCC to David Mark and others

In response to these allegations, the EFCC dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede issued a public statement defending the agency’s actions, insisting that the commission is non-partisan and operates strictly within the law. “Corruption is corruption, regardless of political affiliation,” he stated. “Our records show that both ruling and opposition politicians are under investigation. No one is above the law.”

Olukoyede emphasized that the agency has also charged and prosecuted members of the ruling APC, and therefore, cannot be accused of political bias. “We are committed to impartiality. Our mandate is to fight financial crimes without fear or favor,” he added.

Echoing a similar sentiment, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga distanced the presidency from the EFCC’s operations. Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu has no control over EFCC investigations. “We represent the presidency, not the EFCC. If you want details of any probe, you should contact the commission directly. It is not our place to defend or explain their actions,” he said.

Amid the political tension, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, also issued a clarification, distancing itself from the ADC-led opposition coalition. In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere stated that it remains politically neutral and has not entered into any formal alliance with any party. “Afenifere is not against any political group, but it does not belong to any coalition. We are a non-partisan group advocating for the interests of the Yoruba people,” Ajayi clarified.

Way to sustain Nigeria’s future – David Mark

Meanwhile, the ADC used the occasion of International Youth Day, observed globally on August 12, to pledge deeper engagement with Nigerian youths. At an event held in Abuja, the party reaffirmed its commitment to youth inclusion in political processes and governance.

Speaking at the event, ADC Interim National Chairman David Mark and National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai emphasized that the future of Nigeria depends on youth empowerment. Represented by coalition partner and former APC vice-chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, Mark promised to involve young people in decision-making roles.

He stated, “This party is built on democratic values. We reject imposition and favoritism. We believe in collective leadership and real participation. ADC is a political home for the new generation.”

Mark further revealed that 35% of all leadership roles within the party are reserved for women, while key positions will also be given to Nigerians under the age of 40. “This is not tokenism; this is a deliberate policy shift. Our leadership structure, from polling units to the national level, will reflect modern Nigerian realities,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Mark called on Nigerian youth to take an active role in rebuilding the nation, adding that the ADC offers a platform grounded in ideology, transparency, and patriotism. “We welcome all Nigerians—regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnicity. The future we desire is one we must build together.”