Panic hits ADC as EFCC arrests coalition top leaders
Tension has gripped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its allies in the 2027 opposition coalition after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly moved against top key leaders plotting to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election.
Tambuwal, who governed from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:30 a.m. and faced questioning on what officials described as “flagrant violations” of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“He is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of ₦189 billion,” a source told The PUNCH.
Another official confirmed that Tambuwal remained in custody as investigations continued.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on Tambuwal’s case specifically but insisted the commission’s actions were guided by evidence rather than political considerations.
In contrast, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi accused the EFCC of targeting three former governors within the coalition – some now lawmakers in an attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of 2027.
“They have summoned our members, but I won’t give you names. There are three former governors involved. Some left office in 2023, and some earlier. This is an attempt to force them to leave the coalition or to intimidate them into not taking an active part in it. But we are determined to rescue Nigeria,”Abdullahi told The PUNCH. He described the revived cases as politically motivated rather than based on new evidence.
In an earlier statement, the ADC accused the EFCC of acting as a “department of the APC” by reopening old cases against opposition figures while turning a blind eye to allegations involving ruling party members.
The statement read in part:
“In recent days, several senior members of the Opposition Coalition have received EFCC summons that are clearly politically motivated. These are not fresh cases arising from new evidence but new files opened in reaction to emergent political affiliations to intimidate key opposition figures.
“The EFCC was created to be a fearless defender of the Nigerian people’s trust, applying the law evenly to all, friend or foe, ruling party or opposition.
“Today, that vision appears to have been compromised. The Commission now operates like a department of the APC, deployed to fight government critics and opposition figures, thereby achieving what the government cannot achieve through public debate.
“Meanwhile, investigations into ruling party allies quietly fade away while opposition figures face renewed scrutiny over decade-old allegations dressed up as fresh evidence. This selective prosecution undermines justice.”
ADC added; “It does not augur well for the EFCC if people think that all you need to point the accusing hands of the Commission in your direction is to stand opposed to the ruling party and all that it takes for protection is to align with the government,”
“Unfortunately, this is the widely established perception in Nigeria today, which the commission by its recent actions, including the ongoing surreptitious harassment of opposition leaders, has given credence to.
“The ADC hereby calls on all Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the independent media to resist this dangerous slide into dictatorship and misuse of public institutions to achieve partisan objectives. The EFCC does not belong to the APC. It belongs to the Nigerian people. It is funded by taxpayers, not the ruling party.”
Responding to the accusations, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale dismissed the claims as “untenable and ridiculous,” challenging the ADC to back its statements with facts.
“The commission is non-partisan and non-sectarian. Are cases Abdullahi is talking about concocted by the EFCC? Those who did the crime should be ready to have their time in court. Available records in our courts are enough to show that the EFCC only operates by its mandate, and the mandate does not make it an appendage of any political party.”
The crackdown has reportedly triggered panic within the coalition, with one insider describing it as a “brazen show of power” designed to scare off opposition figures.
Meanwhile, cracks are widening in the alliance. The Obidient Movement, led by Tanko Yunusa, has accused ADC leaders of marginalising Peter Obi’s loyalists in decision-making.
Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, ex-SGF Boss Mustapha, and others have publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC, distancing themselves from rumours linking them to the coalition.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also put on hold plans to formally join the ADC amid speculation that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan may enter the 2027 race.
Within the ADC, leadership changes are also reshaping the party.
The 2023 governorship candidates endorsed Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala as Acting National Chairman following the resignation of Ralph Okey Nwosu. Bala, who contested the 2023 governorship election in Gombe, pledged to strengthen internal democracy, rebuild party structures, and pursue strategic alliances.
“Together, we will build a stronger, more united, and effective political party in Nigeria,” Bala said during his endorsement in Abuja.
