The invitation of former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has sparked outrage among opposition leaders, who describe the move as a calculated attempt to weaken political rivals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ihedioha, who governed Imo State for just seven months before being sacked by the Supreme Court on January 14, 2020, has been out of office for more than five years.
The African Democratic Congress on Tuesday questioned the sudden “urgency” in probing the former governor after such a long period, especially when allegations against prominent members of the ruling party remain untouched.
ADC’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, said, “We wonder what makes investigating Ihedioha suddenly urgent now. The EFCC seems more interested in digging up stale files against opposition leaders than confronting fresh, well-documented corruption cases within the APC. This is selective justice at its peak.”
The party linked Ihedioha’s invitation to a broader crackdown, citing the detention of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Monday and claims that EFCC is also targeting its interim chairman and former Senate President David Mark.
According to the ADC, this pattern shows “a choreographed media trial” designed to intimidate the opposition and create public perception of guilt before any legal process.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of turning the EFCC into a political attack dog.
“Anyone associating with the opposition becomes a target for phantom corruption allegations,” Atiku said, adding that such tactics “stimulate corruption rather than fight it.”
The EFCC, however, denied the allegations, insisting there are “no sacred cows” in its investigations. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said corruption cases are pursued irrespective of political affiliation.
