Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members - Politics - NigeriaWelcome, Guest: Register / Login / With Google / Trending / Recent / New Stats: 3,279,941 members, 8,232,487 topics. Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025 at 02:00 AM Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members - Politics - Nairaland Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members (11898 Views) Shootings As EFCC Goes After Yahaya Bello At Kogi Governor's Lodge In Abuja / EFCC Goes After Bureau De Change Operators In Sabo, Ibadan (video) / EFCC Goes After Bola Tinubu, Writes CCB For Assets Documents - Peoples Gazette (2) (3) (4) (1) (2) (Reply) (Go Down) Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Ofunaofu: 5:48am On Aug 12 Panic has gripped the African Democratic Congress as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission allegedly targets key members of the 2027 coalition, who are working to unseat President Bola Tinubu at the 2027 election. This comes as the EFCC on Monday interrogated former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, a member of the coalition, over an alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to N189bn. Tambuwal, who governed Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:30am and was taken in for questioning by investigators. An EFCC source told The PUNCH that the withdrawals were suspected to be in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The source said, “Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of N189billion. “The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. The governor arrived the EFCC’s headquarters around 11:30am and faced interrogators on the alleged financial crime.” Another official of the commission, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said, “He is in custody at our Abuja corporate headquarters. The investigation is ongoing.” When contacted, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment on the matter but ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed to The PUNCH three former governors, who are key leaders of the coalition, had been invited by the anti-graft body. In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, ADC Abdullahi stated, “Yes, they have summoned our members, but I won’t give you names. There are three of them, former governors. Some are already members of the National Assembly, while others are not. “Some left office in 2023, and some even earlier than that. 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.” In a statement issued earlier on Monday, Abdullahi had alleged that the EFCC had compromised its integrity by reopening old cases against opposition politicians while turning a blind eye to allegations involving the ruling All Progressives Congress members. Responding, the EFCC refuted the accusation of being a political tool of the APC, maintaining that opposition members found guilty of wrongdoing would face prosecution in court. The ADC, however, warned that selective probes for the ruling party eroded public trust and weakened the fight against corruption. The ADC statement read, “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, we have observed how investigations into ruling party allies quietly fade away while opposition figures are dragged before the court of public opinion with sometimes decade-old allegations that have been hastily revived and dressed up as fresh evidence. This is selective prosecution, and selective prosecution is the death of justice. “It does appear that in today’s Nigeria, one’s guilt or innocence depends on one’s party membership, not evidence. For example, since a certain former governor defected to the APC with his state’s entire political machinery, the EFCC’s investigations into his administration have vanished from public view. Not a question has been asked. Not a document leaked. Not a single update. Yet the same EFCC still somehow find means to reopen old cases against opposition leaders and pursue the stale allegations against them.” ADC stressed that the EFCC is owned by the Nigerian people and funded by taxpayers, not the APC. 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.” Reacting, the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale described the ADC’s allegations as untenable, daring the party to back its claims with facts. He said, “This position is patently untenable and ridiculous. Where are the facts and statistics to justify such a claim? “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.” Multiple sources in the coalition, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorised to speak on the issue, said the EFCC move has sparked panic in the coalition camp. One of the sources said, “A lot of our coalition members are concerned by this brazen show of power by the EFCC, which is obviously being used by those in power. But we won’t keep pushing for a better Nigeria.” This development further deepens the crisis in the opposition coalition as several top politicians distanced themselves from the group in recent weeks. In a document dated July 29, 2025, and signed by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, accused the coalition of marginalising its members despite their pivotal role in strengthening the political bloc. Listing their grievances, Tanko cited lack of inclusion in major deliberations. According to him, none of Peter Obi’s loyalists was deemed good enough to share a table with the ADC decision makers. “Several of our designated representatives and members are reportedly being excluded from crucial meetings where major decisions affecting the coalition are made. “This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust, which is essential for building a sustainable partnership,” he lamented. In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH Tanko stated that Peter Obi would make a decision on whether to join the ADC at the right time, stressing that he is not struggling for relevance within the coalition setup. “His Excellency Peter Obi has said that he’s joining the coalition for the 2027 general election. At the moment, he’s made it clear that he’s a member of the Labour Party. So, when that time comes, he will take his decision.” Also, former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, declared his support for the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. This is as he dismissed claims linking him to a governorship ambition under the ADC. In a Friday statement, he described the reports as “false publications” intended to cause distractions. “I wish to publicly reaffirm my absolute and unshakable loyalty to the APC, the party under which I had the privilege of serving Lagos State as governor in 2015, and to President Bola Tinubu, my leader, mentor, and a tireless champion for Nigeria’s progress,” Ambode said. In the same vein, former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, stated that he remained a committed member and leader of the APC in Ekiti State. The former governor, in a statement on Sunday by the Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, Ahmad Sajoh, dismissed a claim in a viral statement attributed to former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, that he and Fayemi founded the ADC coalition before expanding it to include others. Sajoh said, “Despite efforts to verify this statement, which has gained traction on social and digital media, we have found no credible evidence to support it. We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the APC in Ekiti State. “At various public forums in Ekiti and nationwide, he has consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed.” A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also distanced himself from the report that he had dumped the ruling APC for the opposition coalition. Mustapha, in a statement on Sunday, described the reports as fake news, stressing that he has not engaged in any discussions with members of the opposition or their coalition partners. “My attention has been drawn to a news story in circulation associating me with the opposition alliance and their choice of the ADC as their political party. “I want the general public to know that this is fake news. I am not in any opposition alliance, and I am not in any discussion with those who are involved,” the statement read. Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put on hold his planned collection of the African Democratic Congress membership card, amid growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may join the 2027 presidential race and he is being courted by the ADC. Atiku, who recently resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party after prolonged internal disputes, was scheduled to formalise his defection to ADC with the collection of his membership card. The membership card would be presented to Atiku by ADC officials at his hometown of Jada, in the Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State. However, Sunday PUNCH gathered that the ceremony, which was slated for Wednesday, August 6, was postponed indefinitely without an official explanation from the former vice president’s camp. Meanwhile, the 2023 Governorship Candidates of the 36 states under ADC on Monday urged on opposition coalition to follow due process in the transition process. The candidates in a statement by their spokesperson, Terhemen Tilley-Gyado who was the ADC governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Benue said there was a need to address the Nigerian public on recent developments within the ADC. He stated, “We unanimously acknowledge, appreciate and support the voluntary resignation of our amiable National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu. In line with the party’s constitution, we endorse the seamless transition of leadership to the Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala, who will henceforth oversee the Office of the National Chairman in an acting capacity. This decision ensures stability and continuity in our party’s mission. “We respectfully urge esteemed leaders of the proposed coalition-including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senator David Mark, Mr. Peter Obi, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Abubakar Malami SAN, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and others to adhere strictly to due process. “This entails: Formal resignation from their former political parties, and Registration as bona fide members of the ADC at their respective Ward levels in line with the Electoral Act.” The chieftains affirmed that the ADC is a progressive, integrity-focused platform committed to driving Nigeria’s democratic renewal. On Monday, the factional National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala, pledged to strengthen internal democracy within the party. He made the promise in Abuja during his endorsement as Acting National Chairman by some party chieftains. Bala, who was the ADC’s governorship candidate in Gombe State during the 2023 general elections, had declared himself interim national chairman after accusing former party leaders of neglecting their constitutional duties and handing over the party’s structures to “powerful outsiders” with no affiliation to the ADC. Speaking during the ceremony, Bala said, “I welcome you all to this significant event, marking the transition of leadership within our great party, the African Democratic Congress. “I am deeply honoured to accept your endorsement as Acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress. I also wish to express my profound gratitude to each and every one of you for your trust and confidence in me. “As your Acting National Chairman, I pledged to lead this party with integrity, wisdom, and dedication. I will work tirelessly to strengthen our party, promote unity, and advance our collective vision for a better Nigeria. “My leadership focal point shall be: To strengthen our party structures as an institution; To enhance internal democracy and inclusivity; To promote policy development and implementation of party’s resolutions; To foster strategic partnerships and alliances with any group of individuals who extend their hands of friendship to us and to build a strong, vibrant, and effective leadership team.” Bala thanked the ADC’s National Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee members, state chairmen, and 2023 governorship candidates for their endorsement. He stated, “I assure you of my commitment to collaborative leadership. Together, we will build stronger, more united, more prosperous, and effective political party in Nigeria. “Let us work together to achieve our party’s objectives and build a brighter future for our people and our dear nation.” https://punchng.com/panic-in-adc-as-efcc-goes-after-key-members/ 1 Like (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Kadejo(m): 6:23am On Aug 12 Really. Where were the agency before now. We should stop this political witch hunting. First to comment ! Please let me have my gift oooooo 41 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Rindo69: 6:24am On Aug 12 You see am! EFCC are what they are; attack dogs of the presidency used to put politicians in check! That is their only function. It is disgraceful 57 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Aggroundnut: 6:25am On Aug 12 Mk I book space here 40 character mk me lost first to comment Very bad Wahala no to much for this apc regime 40 character never still complete 2 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Dogalmighty17: 6:27am On Aug 12 Thieves claiming they want to 'rescue' Nigeria. From what? All these new ADC guys were in PDP. how did they perform? How can 1 person alone loot 189 billion naira and he has the guts to say he is planning to rescue the country? That's madness. I have always maintained that the EFCC is a useless organisation. So I know nothing will come of this. 32 Likes 4 Shares (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by emkz: 6:27am On Aug 12 If you commit a crime or there is a petition against you, EFCC must not touch you because you are in ADC. It would be seen as victimization. This is the new Nigeria coalition wants. If there is a case against anyone, let him clear himself first before coming to rescue Nigeria. Many of the rescuers want to get close to power to escape prosecution. If Tinubu or any of his party members are found wanting after their tenure, let EFCC also go after them. Afterall, Code of COnduct Bureau docked Tinubu in 2012 or so and Tinubu attended it without crying victimization. Same Code of Conduct docked Saraki as sitting senate president, and heavens did not fall either. 55 Likes 1 Share (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by ivandragon: 6:28am On Aug 12 Tambuwal messed up... He should have put the money in bullion vans or stashed it in a babariga... case closed. Ps. I didn't mention names of bullion van movers or babariga banks, before apc's social media police start threatening me with arrest and consequences. 15 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by jetguy(m): 6:28am On Aug 12 Who get time to read this kind of novel for this early morning 7 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Godsonkemz(m): 6:28am On Aug 12 The druggie is using EFCC to witchhunt and dismantle his opposition 13 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Riskymarvelous(m): 6:29am On Aug 12 Where is Oshiomole,,,Okowa,, akpabio and yahaya bello? 17 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Helinuss: 6:30am On Aug 12 Tinubu lol Efcc is just bunch of unprofessional heads. They only bully and use jagajaga style in all they do. They need to learn from fbi, cia etc 11 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by ibechris(m): 6:31am On Aug 12 And they say he is a master strategist. How can u be a master strategist who doesn't sleep at night yet u are going after ur political opponents. E go hard for Tinubu to come back as President. 16 Likes 1 Share (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by ned009(m): 6:34am On Aug 12 Ofunaofu: https://punchng.com/panic-in-adc-as-efcc-goes-after-key-members/ When EFCC was still EFCC sha,how this agency was also picking up corrupt politicians wk in and out..06/07/08.. (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by RealLordZeus(m): 6:34am On Aug 12 ADC or not ADC, wetin I wan know be say Tambuwal chop our yam or not When and if ADC take power,they should also drag all Tinubu cronies, that's the beauty of democracy and a win for the masses 5 Likes 2 Shares (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Ruke1991: 6:36am On Aug 12 If the presidency will not allow EFCC function neutrally without interference and want to only use it in quelling opposition, then it's high time Nigerians demand the dissolve and dissolution of EFCC. It's either made efficient or non existent. We shouldn't be providing occupation and sit tight tools for politicians paid for by our common treasury 5 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by omoredia: 6:37am On Aug 12 This was what GEJ should have been doing. Nigeria is a lawless country and the majority wants it that way 3 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by omowolewa: 6:40am On Aug 12 Are they afraid of their secrets, clear minds fears not accusations 2 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Nahunger(m): 6:42am On Aug 12 Rescue Nigerians from who ?? Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz Seun here is your 40 characters 2 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Nahunger(m): 6:43am On Aug 12 “Some left office in 2023, and some even earlier than that. 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.” See who wan rescue Nigerians, PDAPC=ADC 😂😂😂 3 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Raskimonojendor: 6:46am On Aug 12 Why are the panicking if your hands are clean and haven't committed any crime. 36 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by kaywhy09(m): 6:48am On Aug 12 Nothing to worry about. If, they have nothing to worry about though 2 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by paxonel(m): 6:49am On Aug 12 As a matter of fact, EFCC should help clear the corrupt people from ADC so that the party will be credible enough to oppose. Also, they should ignore the corrupt people in APC so that the party will continually seen as corrupt in preparation for 2027 There is nothing panic there 2 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Cj4charles(m): 6:50am On Aug 12 Those that were given laptops and 20k stipends are already up here supporting the move 7 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by 1bunne4lif(m): 6:50am On Aug 12 emkz: If you commit a crime or there is a petition against you, EFCC must not touch you because you are in ADC. It would be seen as victimization. This is the new Nigeria coalition wants. If there is a case against anyone, let him clear himself first before coming to rescue Nigeria. Many of the rescuers want to get close to power to escape prosecution. If Tinubu or any of his party members are found wanting after their tenure, let EFCC also go after them. Afterall, Code of COnduct Bureau docked Tinubu in 2012 or so and Tinubu attended it without crying victimization. Same Code of Conduct docked Saraki as sitting senate president, and heavens did not fall either. keep deceiving yourself. All the cases brought against politicians who have now joined the APC has been dropped and their sins forgiven. We all know, don't rub it on us 7 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Godfullsam(m): 6:52am On Aug 12 Rindo69: You see am! EFCC are what they are; attack dogs of the presidency used to put politicians in check! That is their only function. It is disgraceful But these people should stop stealing public funds na. Will anyone call you for questioning if you didn't steal? Is it a must to steal as a politician? These guys are making it look like you are going to die if you don't steal. 4 Likes 1 Share (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by Ewedegubbler: 6:52am On Aug 12 Imagine what would happen had these guys got anything against Peter obi. But since they can’t find nothing they had to hire thousands of scoundrels to spew trash about him daily. 1 Like (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by zoedew: 6:56am On Aug 12 Ofunaofu: https://punchng.com/panic-in-adc-as-efcc-goes-after-key-members/ Ajatuka ni ti agbaarin! Ask AI for an interpretation if you please. Nullum tempus occurrit reipublicae. AI will oblige the reader an interpretation. Association of Dented Crooks (ADC). They are so brazenly shameless that one is left with no other conclusion than to agree with the literary sage who famously said that “those the gods wish to destroy they first make mad”! 2 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by SlavaUkraini: 6:57am On Aug 12 Intimidation tactics will not work ... Nigeria must be rescued from clutches of the Notorious Drug Baron 2 Likes (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by garykoeman: 6:58am On Aug 12 Ofunaofu: https://punchng.com/panic-in-adc-as-efcc-goes-after-key-members/ Innocent people dey panic. They should prove to us there are actually clean and free from corruption. 3 Likes 1 Share (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by israelmao(m): 6:59am On Aug 12 If our electoral system was transparent and Nigerians were ready for real and positive change no force would be too strong to resist them. (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by MichaelSokoto(m): 7:04am On Aug 12 d Atlantic Ocean tamer & builder of Lagos 4rm scratch with Jez an headpan of Ajah white sand and a bucket of lagoon water yaf start dictatorial work! dude is f**kn desperate! other ADC proponents such as Amaechi, Aregbe et al are next on their shopping list! but keep calm... it is APC vs Nigerians in 2027 3 Likes 1 Share (Share⤴) Re: Panic In ADC As EFCC Goes After Key Members by SuperEagles: 7:05am On Aug 12 Exactly that was what Ebele Jonathan used them for as well or they were not attack dogs but pet dogs under him ?! 🤣 Rindo69: You see am! EFCC are what they are; attack dogs of the presidency used to put politicians in check! That is their only function. It is disgraceful 1 Like (Share⤴)