The Collective Movement (TCM) has strongly condemned the detention of former Sokoto State governor and serving senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the allegations against him as a calculated political assault rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort.
Reports had claimed that Tambuwal was being held over alleged N189 billion in fraudulent cash withdrawals — purportedly in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. But TCM insists the narrative is part of a smear campaign orchestrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition ahead of future political contests.
“This is clearly a desperate move by Tinubu and the APC to silence dissenting voices,” TCM declared in a statement, accusing the EFCC of abandoning its independence to serve as “a tool and henchman for political purposes.” The group said Tambuwal’s long-standing political career and leadership credentials are being deliberately attacked to tarnish his reputation and erode his influence in national politics.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describes the EFCC’s actions as a dangerous abuse of power. Atiku, who was instrumental in establishing the EFCC during his tenure, alleged that the agency’s founding mission has been “grossly subverted” under the current administration.
“The only reason the EFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State is because he is a member of the opposition coalition,” Atiku said. “This is not about fighting corruption; it is about intimidating the opposition. Anyone who associates with the opposition becomes a target for phantom corruption allegations, and as soon as they join the APC, their so-called sins are forgiven.”
He accused the Tinubu government of turning the fight against corruption into a political weapon, coercing opposition leaders into defecting to the ruling party under the threat of endless investigations. Atiku warned that such actions undermine institutional integrity, embolden corruption, and erode democratic values.
Citing a “growing trend” of EFCC investigations against opposition governors and political figures, Atiku said the country is being pushed dangerously close to a one-party system — a scenario he argued would be catastrophic for Nigeria’s democracy. “That was never the objective for which I worked hard to create the EFCC. These tendencies only stimulate corruption to thrive,” he said.
Both TCM and Atiku called on civil society organizations, democratic activists, and the international community to reject what they described as “anti-democratic tactics” and stand against the creeping authoritarianism threatening Nigeria’s political future. (Medium)
