The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has refuted claims by the African Democratic Congress that its corruption investigations are politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 12, Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, reiterated the agency’s impartiality, insisting it treats all corruption cases equally, regardless of political affiliation.
“Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There is no sacred cow, protected interest, or partisan consideration in the investigation and prosecution of corruption,” Oyewale stated.
The rebuttal comes after the ADC alleged that the EFCC had been summoning opposition leaders based on political leanings rather than fresh evidence.
However, the anti-graft agency dismissed the accusations as “self-serving, diversionary, narrow, and idle,” stressing that corruption allegations must be investigated irrespective of timing or political context.
“Every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated, and there is no constraint of time and season in criminal investigations,” Oyewale said.
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The EFCC also emphasised that its current investigations include several senior members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, such as sitting governors and ministers.
“Available records in our courts show that several political figures from all divides are answering charges of alleged economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption,” the statement read.
Oyewale maintained that the EFCC operates independently and is not an arm of the ruling party.
“The EFCC does not belong to the APC. It belongs to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Commission further urged political parties like the ADC to focus on their responsibilities and allow it to perform its duties without interference.
“The Commission will not be blackmailed into making full disclosures of its discreet investigations of any state or non-state actor, no matter the provocation.
“All well-meaning Nigerians are enjoined to ignore political statements meant to heat up the polity and divert attention from the pillage of the national treasury,” Oyewale added.