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EFCC Accuses Opposition of Smear Campaign Ahead of 2027 Elections

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 14:50 GMT by legit
      Locale: NIGERIA

EFCC Accuses Opposition of Plotting to Discredit It Ahead of 2027, Raising Fears of Politically Motivated Attacks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has publicly accused opposition politicians of orchestrating a campaign to undermine its credibility and disrupt its operations ahead of the 2027 general elections. This accusation, reported extensively by Legit.ng and sparking significant debate, centers around a purported plan to fabricate evidence, instigate protests, and leverage media manipulation to portray the EFCC as politically biased and compromised. The claims raise serious concerns about the potential for politically motivated attacks on the anti-graft agency and the broader implications for the integrity of the electoral process.

According to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who made the allegations during a meeting with State House correspondents on January 26, 2024, intelligence gathered suggests a coordinated effort involving leading figures from various opposition parties. The core of the scheme involves spreading false narratives alleging selective prosecution, particularly targeting members of opposition parties while shielding those from the ruling party. This would be achieved through a multi-pronged strategy: planting fabricated documents, coaching witnesses to provide false testimonies, and utilizing social media and compliant media outlets to amplify these allegations.

Olukoyede explicitly stated that the EFCC had uncovered evidence of funds being funneled into these activities. He mentioned that several individuals involved in the plot have already been identified and are being investigated, though he stopped short of naming them, citing ongoing investigations. He emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to remaining neutral and adhering strictly to the rule of law, stating the agency will not be intimidated or distracted from its duty to combat economic and financial crimes.

The allegations come at a sensitive time. The 2027 elections are rapidly approaching, and the political landscape is already heating up. Nigeria has a history of politically charged investigations and accusations leveled against law enforcement agencies during election cycles. Previous EFCC investigations have often been criticized as being driven by political motives, fueling skepticism and undermining public trust. This current accusation seems to be a preemptive strike by the EFCC, attempting to frame the anticipated criticism as a deliberate smear campaign rather than legitimate concerns.

Legit.ng’s reporting links back to previous controversies surrounding the EFCC. For instance, it alludes to accusations of selective justice leveled against the agency during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Critics had claimed the EFCC focused disproportionately on opposition figures while overlooking alleged corruption within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). These historical criticisms add weight to the concerns that the EFCC’s current claims may be part of a broader narrative seeking to justify its actions and deflect potential scrutiny.

The EFCC’s concerns aren't solely about reputation. Olukoyede explained the plan also includes orchestrating protests and legal challenges aimed at disrupting the EFCC’s investigations and arresting its officials. The aim is to create a chaotic environment and portray the commission as being under attack, thereby hindering its ability to function effectively. He highlighted the potential for this to embolden corrupt individuals and undermine the fight against financial crime.

Furthermore, the EFCC Chairman warned of a potential escalation of the disinformation campaign, including the creation of fake news reports and the impersonation of EFCC officials on social media. This tactic, he said, is intended to sow confusion and erode public confidence in the agency's investigations. He appealed to the media and the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, urging responsible journalism and critical thinking.

The implications of these accusations are far-reaching. If proven true, the plot would represent a significant threat to Nigeria's democratic processes and the rule of law. A compromised EFCC could render it unable to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption, fostering an environment where impunity thrives. Conversely, if the EFCC’s claims are unsubstantiated, it could further damage its credibility and deepen public distrust.

The opposition parties, as of this reporting, have yet to issue a comprehensive response to the EFCC's allegations. Some individual politicians have dismissed the claims as a desperate attempt by the ruling party to intimidate the opposition. The PDP, for example, called for a transparent investigation into the allegations, while urging the EFCC to focus on genuinely fighting corruption rather than engaging in political witch-hunting.

Ultimately, the truth behind these allegations will likely unfold over time through investigations and legal proceedings. However, the EFCC’s preemptive disclosure has already ignited a political firestorm, raising crucial questions about the integrity of the anti-graft agency and the challenges facing Nigeria as it prepares for the 2027 elections. The situation demands careful monitoring, independent verification of claims, and a commitment from all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and ensure a fair and credible electoral process.