By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The Convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is constitutionally and legally bound to investigate allegations of economic and financial crimes, insisting that individuals with “clean hands have nothing to fear.”
Showunmi’s remarks come amid growing controversy over the EFCC’s recent actions against prominent opposition figures, which have sparked accusations of political persecution and selective justice against the Federal Government.
DAILY POST reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders recently accused the administration of deploying anti-graft agencies—including the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police—to harass and intimidate opposition politicians.
The EFCC has, in recent weeks, invited and detained some opposition figures over alleged corruption and is also investigating a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday and titled “Anti-Corruption, Not Anti-Opposition,” the opposition leaders claimed that anti-graft agencies are increasingly being perceived as instruments of political intimidation, selective justice, and systematic persecution. They alleged that the focus of state power had shifted from genuine anti-corruption efforts to weakening perceived political rivals, while actors aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly receive little scrutiny.
The opposition figures further warned that Nigeria is witnessing a “covert and extremely unsettling plan” to consolidate the APC’s grip on power.
Reacting to the claims, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged politicians to stop undermining national institutions. He maintained that the EFCC remains independent and challenged anyone invited by the agency to defend themselves courageously if they have no wrongdoing to hide.
Weighing in on the debate on Monday, Showunmi firmly rejected the narrative of victimisation, warning that attempts to frame lawful investigations as political persecution pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“When political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law, democracy itself is under threat,” Showunmi said in a statement. “Calling an investigation ‘victimisation’ signals an attempt to pre-empt justice with propaganda.”
He stressed that the Constitution does not provide immunity for any category of citizens based on political affiliation or past office.
“Let it be stated plainly: opposition is not a licence to steal, and it is not a shield against accountability,” Showunmi declared. “The Nigerian Constitution mandates the State to abolish corruption and abuse of power. It does not create exemptions for opposition leaders, former officeholders, or political coalitions.”
According to him, investigation, arrest, and prosecution—when conducted within the bounds of the law—do not violate fundamental rights, noting that this position has been firmly settled by the Supreme Court.
“If you are innocent, the courts will clear you. If you are not, the law will take its course. That is the essence of the rule of law,” he said. “Those with clean hands have nothing to fear; those with questions to answer should answer them before the law.”
Showunmi further argued that when public trust is breached, consequences must follow, adding that the appropriate response to investigation is not alarmism, international lobbying, or political grandstanding, but professional legal defence and respect for due process.
“Enough is enough,” he concluded. “Nigeria will not trade the rule of law for political convenience.”
The controversy underscores deepening tensions between the ruling party and opposition blocs, even as public attention remains focused on whether Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions can maintain credibility, independence, and fairness in the face of heightened political pressure.
