Otunba Segun Showunmi, the Convener of The Alternative, stated his opinion that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is legally obliged to investigate allegations of financial and economic crimes, maintaining that anyone innocent has no reason to worry. He stressed that no individual is above the law, and the constitution grants no immunity to former officeholders, opposition leaders, or political alliances. DAILY POST reported that figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Senator David Mark, among others, have accused the Federal Government of using anti-graft agencies like the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police to target opposition politicians. Previously, the EFCC had summoned and detained some opposition figures over alleged corruption and is currently investigating Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. In a Sunday statement titled “Anti-Corruption, Not Anti-Opposition,” these opposition leaders claimed that the anti-graft bodies are increasingly viewed as tools for political intimidation, unfair justice, and the systematic harassment of opposition figures. They asserted that the focus of state power seems to have shifted from fighting economic crimes to deliberately weakening perceived political rivals, creating a situation where individuals from the ruling party receive little scrutiny while opposition leaders face harassment and penalties. The opposition leaders warned that the country is observing a secretive and deeply concerning strategy aimed at solidifying the ruling APC’s grip on power. In a quick response, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, urged politicians to refrain from undermining national institutions, affirming the EFCC’s independence and suggesting that those facing investigation should be courageous enough to defend themselves if they are innocent. Reacting to this, Showunmi declared on Monday that democracy is jeopardized when political figures attempt to use their opposition status as an shield against the law. He noted that labeling an investigation as “victimization” suggests an attempt to replace justice with propaganda. He plainly stated that being in the opposition is neither a license to steal nor a shield from accountability, emphasizing that the Nigerian Constitution clearly requires the state to eliminate corruption and abuse of power without granting exemptions to political groups, opposition leaders, or former officials. Showunmi asserted that legal investigation, arrest, and prosecution, when conducted within legal boundaries, do not violate fundamental rights, citing that this has been confirmed by the Supreme Court, not by political statements. He added that if one is innocent, the courts will provide clearance, but if not, the law must take its course, which is the core principle of the rule of law, and that those with integrity have nothing to fear, while those with matters to address should do so legally. He concluded that Nigeria will not sacrifice the rule of law for political convenience, arguing that breaches of trust carry consequences, and the appropriate response to an investigation is a professional legal defense and respect for due process, not generating alarm, international lobbying, or political commotion.
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