The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Governor of Delta State, following his arrest. The call was made by the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, during a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja.

Okowa, who was the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, was taken into custody by the EFCC after reporting to its Port Harcourt directorate. The anti-graft agency claimed that the former governor was arrested in connection with allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion, which allegedly consisted of proceeds from the 13 percent derivation funds that accrued to Delta State during his tenure as governor.

Osadolor condemned Okowa’s arrest, describing it as a politically motivated act of witch-hunting and persecution. He argued that such actions were part of a broader attempt to silence opposition parties, a practice that he believed posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The PDP leader expressed disbelief that Okowa, who had voluntarily reported to the EFCC and had not tried to evade arrest, was still being detained. He also emphasized that the former governor had not been charged with any wrongdoing by the Delta State government, which had not claimed that any funds were missing from the state’s coffers. According to Osadolor, the EFCC’s actions appeared to be politically charged, with the agency acting not only as an investigator but also as a prosecutor, and conducting media campaigns to influence public opinion before a thorough investigation had been completed.

Osadolor further criticized the EFCC for its apparent bias, pointing to the fact that other former governors and prominent figures from the ruling party had faced no similar consequences despite being embroiled in financial management allegations. He questioned whether Okowa’s arrest was truly based on evidence or if it was merely a politically motivated attack on opposition leaders.

The PDP Deputy Youth Leader called for Okowa’s immediate release, urging that media trials and public embarrassment of opposition figures be halted. He warned that this could be part of a larger plan to target opposition leaders, speculating that Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State might be next on the EFCC’s radar.

Osadolor reiterated the party’s position that while political leaders must be held accountable for any alleged wrongdoing, investigations should be free of political bias and not be used as tools for political advantage. He advised the EFCC to maintain its independence and not serve as an extension of the ruling party or the presidency.

Additionally, Osadolor called for a comprehensive review of the EFCC Act, advocating for reforms that would ensure the agency remains neutral. He proposed that the appointment of EFCC directors and the chairman should be the responsibility of the judiciary or the Senate, rather than being solely under the control of the president. This, he argued, would prevent the agency from becoming politicized and ensure that it could operate as an independent body focused solely on investigating financial crimes.