ADC Coalition in Turmoil as EFCC Targets Key Opposition Figures Amid 2027 Election Tensions
Tensions are running high within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its opposition coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The source of growing unrest stems from what the coalition claims are politically motivated actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly aimed at undermining opposition efforts to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The unease escalated significantly when former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal—one of the leading figures in the opposition bloc—was interrogated by the EFCC on Monday over alleged large-scale financial misconduct. Investigators are probing suspicious cash withdrawals totaling an estimated ₦189 billion, said to have occurred during Tambuwal’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
According to sources within the EFCC, the transactions under scrutiny are believed to violate key provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. An anonymous official from the agency confirmed that Tambuwal reported to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja at approximately 11:30 a.m., where he was subsequently questioned about the alleged misappropriation of state funds. The official stated: “Former Governor Tambuwal is currently in custody as investigations proceed. The allegations involve serious breaches of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.”
Key ADC members under EFCC probe
Despite repeated requests, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to issue a formal statement on the matter. However, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that Tambuwal was not the only target. He revealed that at least three former governors, all prominent figures in the opposition alliance, had received similar summons from the anti-corruption agency. “Yes, they’ve invited our members,” Abdullahi said in an exclusive interview. “They are former governors—some currently serving in the National Assembly, while others are not. Some left office just two years ago, while others exited earlier. This move is clearly designed to intimidate them and discourage active participation in the 2027 coalition.”
Earlier that day, Abdullahi issued a public statement accusing the EFCC of weaponizing its powers to selectively target opposition figures, while ignoring corruption allegations linked to members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He alleged that the EFCC had abandoned its mandate of impartial justice and was now being used as a political instrument by the ruling party to destabilize dissenting voices.
“The EFCC is engaging in political persecution under the guise of law enforcement,” the statement read. “These are not new charges backed by recent evidence, but rather recycled allegations being revived solely to intimidate political opponents. The agency is now being used as an extension of the APC, deployed against anyone daring to challenge the status quo.”
Concerns of political agenda behind EFCC investigation
The ADC further claimed that while long-dormant cases involving opposition leaders were being reopened with renewed vigor, investigations into APC-aligned politicians had mysteriously stalled. “Some opposition leaders are being dragged into the public spotlight over decade-old allegations, yet similar or even more serious claims against ruling party members have quietly disappeared without explanation,” the party stated.
Citing a specific example, the ADC pointed to a former governor who defected to the APC with his entire political network. According to the statement, all EFCC probes into his administration vanished immediately after his defection. “No questions have been asked, no files leaked, and no media updates provided. Meanwhile, opposition members are facing intense scrutiny and public shaming,” the party argued. “This creates the impression that justice in Nigeria now depends not on evidence, but on political affiliation.”
Reiterating that the EFCC is a public institution funded by Nigerian taxpayers—not the ruling party—the ADC urged civil society organizations, the media, and the general public to resist the use of federal agencies for partisan objectives. “This dangerous politicization of law enforcement institutions must be challenged. We call on all Nigerians to speak up and defend democracy.”
EFCC dismisses ADC’s claim
In response, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale dismissed the ADC’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated. “These accusations are completely without merit,” he said. “The Commission is a non-partisan institution with a legal mandate to investigate financial crimes. Anyone accused must face justice. The EFCC does not manufacture cases—our investigations are guided by evidence, not political loyalty.”
Despite this rebuttal, several members of the opposition coalition, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that there is growing anxiety among coalition members. “The fear is real,” one source said. “The use of anti-corruption bodies to harass political opponents is a clear abuse of power. But regardless, we remain committed to pursuing democratic change and fighting for a better Nigeria.”
The recent EFCC actions come at a time when the opposition coalition is already dealing with internal rifts. Multiple influential figures have recently distanced themselves from the bloc, signaling disunity just as the 2027 elections approach.
A new document dated July 29, 2025, signed by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, expressed grievances about marginalization within the coalition. According to Yunusa, members aligned with Peter Obi—2023 presidential candidate and leading figure in the Labour Party—are being excluded from key meetings and strategic decisions. “Our representatives are not being invited to crucial deliberations that affect the coalition’s direction. This breeds distrust and weakens the spirit of collaboration,” he lamented.
Peter Obi supports the Coalition ahead of 2027 election
Speaking in an interview, Yunusa emphasized that Peter Obi remains committed to contributing to the coalition, though he is currently focused on his role within the Labour Party. “His Excellency Peter Obi has made his intentions clear. He supports the idea of a coalition for the 2027 election, but he remains a Labour Party member for now. When the time is right, he will make his decision.”
Meanwhile, former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, previously rumored to be considering a return to politics through the ADC, publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged his support for President Tinubu’s reelection campaign. He dismissed speculation about any gubernatorial ambitions under the ADC platform.
As political tensions continue to rise, the combination of EFCC actions, inter-party disputes, and allegations of marginalization threaten to derail the unity and effectiveness of the opposition’s 2027 strategy. What remains to be seen is whether the coalition can withstand these pressures and present a united front strong enough to challenge the current administration at the polls.
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