Prominent opposition figures have voiced concerns over what they describe as a deliberate attempt by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy through the politicisation of anti-corruption agencies.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the leaders accused the Federal Government of using institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to intimidate and persecute political opponents under the guise of fighting corruption.

The statement was signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark; Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor John Odigie-Oyegun; former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Olabode George; and former Minister of State for Defence, Lawal Batagarawa.

The leaders warned that Nigeria risks sliding toward a one-party state, alleging that opposition governors and political figures are being pressured by anti-graft agencies to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“State power is being deployed not for the genuine fight against corruption, but for the systematic persecution of perceived political opponents ahead of the 2027 general election,” the statement said.

They accused the EFCC of selective enforcement, pointing out that opposition figures face aggressive investigations and media trials, while allegations against ruling party members are ignored or quietly dropped. The statement cited public perceptions of unequal justice, including remarks attributed to a former APC national chairman that defectors’ “sins are forgiven,” arguing such narratives erode trust in anti-corruption institutions.

The opposition leaders called for an independent audit of federal, state, and local government accounts from 2015 to 2025 to expose selective prosecutions and restore confidence in the anti-graft effort. They also proposed embedding anti-corruption operatives within government payment systems and amending the EFCC Act to strengthen its independence and preventive mandate.

The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending the country’s democratic space, warning that unchecked political injustice could threaten national stability.