By Olayinka Owolabi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of detaining former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal because of his membership in the opposition coalition.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is using the fight against corruption as a political weapon to pressure opposition leaders into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The only reason the EFCC has detained the former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is that he is a member of the opposition coalition,” Atiku said. “It appears that anyone associated with the opposition becomes a target for phantom corruption allegations, only to have their ‘sins’ forgiven once they submit to the political agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“That is not how to build institutions, and it is certainly not how to fight the monster of corruption. Such tendencies only provide the stimulant for corruption to thrive.”
Atiku further alleged that the EFCC has a pattern of compelling opposition governors to defect to the ruling party. “The tea party is not about to end anytime soon,” he added.
He called on civil society organisations and the international community to speak out against the use of anti-corruption agencies for political ends.
Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South in the Senate, was questioned by the EFCC on Monday over allegations of illegally withdrawing N189 billion in cash, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
