The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Lagos State Chapter, expresses grave concern over what appears to be the increasing use of federal anti-corruption agencies as instruments of political intimidation against opposition-controlled states, while glaring allegations involving APC-controlled governments continue to receive little or no visible scrutiny.
The recent judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha, which restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from proceeding with its proposed blanket investigation into the finances of the Oyo State Government, raises serious constitutional and democratic questions. The court held that the Commission’s request amounted to a speculative fishing expedition and affirmed that investigative powers must be exercised within the confines of the Constitution, due process, and the Rule of Law.
The judgment is significant because it reinforces a fundamental democratic principle: no agency of government, regardless of its statutory powers, should be permitted to embark on indiscriminate investigations without specific allegations or credible evidence. The fight against corruption must never become a tool for political persecution.
The APM therefore asks the Federal Government and the leadership of the EFCC a simple but important question: Why do opposition-controlled states appear to receive disproportionate attention from anti-graft agencies, while numerous allegations involving APC-controlled states and officials are either ignored or allowed to gather dust?
If the EFCC genuinely seeks to rid Nigeria of corruption, Nigerians deserve to see the same level of enthusiasm in investigating allegations involving APC administrations across the federation. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Selective prosecution weakens public confidence in our institutions and creates the dangerous impression that anti-corruption efforts are driven more by political considerations than by the pursuit of justice.
Lagos State, under APC control for over two decades, has repeatedly been the subject of public concerns and allegations regarding procurement processes, public finance management, infrastructure spending, environmental projects, and the administration of local government funds. Yet, there has been little evidence of the kind of sweeping investigative zeal that is often directed at opposition states.
Similarly, allegations involving several prominent APC figures at the federal level have frequently dominated public discourse without corresponding urgency from the relevant investigative agencies. This perceived imbalance continues to erode public trust in institutions established to serve all Nigerians without fear or favour.
The APM is not advocating immunity for any state or public official. On the contrary, we firmly believe that every allegation of corruption should be thoroughly investigated. However, such investigations must be intelligence-driven, evidence-based, impartial, and free from political interference. The Constitution does not permit selective justice, and democracy cannot thrive where law enforcement agencies are perceived as political weapons.
We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reassure Nigerians that anti-graft institutions remain independent and are not being deployed to intimidate political opponents ahead of future elections. The Federal Government must demonstrate through its actions that no individual, political party, or state enjoys immunity from lawful investigation.
We also urge the EFCC to strictly comply with the principles reaffirmed by the Federal High Court by ensuring that future investigations are founded on specific allegations supported by credible evidence, rather than broad and speculative requests capable of infringing on constitutional rights.
Nigeria’s fight against corruption can only succeed where there is fairness, transparency, professionalism, and equal treatment before the law. Anything less risks transforming a noble national cause into an instrument of political vendetta.
The Allied Peoples Movement remains committed to the rule of law, constitutional democracy, accountability in public service, and the protection of institutions from political manipulation.
