The fragile unity of Nigeria’s opposition alliance suffered another blow on Monday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensified its investigations into senior African Democratic Congress (ADC) members, prompting accusations of political witch-hunting.
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, a prominent figure in the coalition pushing to replace President Bola Tinubu in 2027, was grilled at the EFCC’s Abuja headquarters over alleged cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion.
EFCC operatives claim the withdrawals breached the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. “He arrived around 11:30 a.m. and is currently being questioned over these transactions,” an official disclosed.
ADC’s National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed that three former governors from the coalition were invited by the EFCC. He described the move as “an attempt to intimidate opposition leaders into silence or compliance.”
In a strongly worded statement, the ADC accused the EFCC of abandoning its impartial role. “The commission now behaves like an arm of the APC, reviving decade-old cases against critics while ignoring serious allegations against ruling party members,” the party alleged.
Oyewale, speaking for the EFCC, dismissed the claims, calling them “untenable” and challenging the ADC to provide proof. “We operate strictly by our mandate,” he insisted.
The incident has exacerbated rifts in the coalition, with the Obidient Movement accusing the ADC leadership of excluding Peter Obi’s allies from decision-making. At the same time, key figures like Ambode, Fayemi, Mustapha, and Atiku have publicly distanced themselves from coalition rumours.
Meanwhile, the ADC has endorsed Nafiu Bala as Acting National Chairman after Ralph Okey Nwosu’s resignation. Bala promised reforms to improve internal democracy and party inclusivity.