Atiku, Obi, others demand audit of Nigerian govt accounts

Leading opposition figures have accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of systematically targeting political opponents through anti-corruption agencies ahead of upcoming elections.

In a joint statement released Sunday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Bode George, African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, David Mark, former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, and Lawal Batagawara demanded an independent audit of government accounts from 2015 to 2025.

They alleged that state institutions are being misused for political persecution rather than genuine anti-corruption efforts.

“Across our nation, state power is being deployed not for the prevention of economic crimes, but for the persecution of perceived political adversaries, with the ultimate aim of weakening opposition voices and dismantling Nigeria’s multiparty democracy,” the opposition stated.

The group claimed major institutions including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria Police, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission are selectively targeting opposition members while protecting ruling party affiliates. They cited recent high-profile defections to the APC, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as evidence of political coercion.

The opposition referenced former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole’s statement that “once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven” as emblematic of the administration’s selective justice approach.

They proposed embedding anti-corruption personnel within government payment systems and establishing an independent oversight body with complete access to public finances.

The Presidency swiftly rejected these allegations, with Special Adviser on Information & Strategy Bayo Onanuga dismissing the claims as “scapegoating by a dying political party” and complaints from “failed aspirants regrouping on an unstable platform.”

“They alleged a threat to multi-party democracy because many top politicians are joining the governing APC of their own free will,” Onanuga stated, arguing that defections stem from voluntary decisions motivated by observable benefits from Tinubu’s reform agenda, not intimidation.

The Presidency defended the EFCC’s autonomy, asserting the commission operates independently regardless of political connections. “The EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour,” Onanuga emphasized, adding that prosecutions are court-determined, not presidentially directed.

He noted that several opposition figures faced investigations before Tinubu’s 2023 inauguration, some involving international money-laundering inquiries, suggesting their criticism stems from mounting legal pressures. “Are they now signing statements because their chickens are coming home to roost?” he questioned.

The Presidency cautioned against undermining national institutions and urged critics to cease “weaponising politics to escape accountability,” stressing that anti-corruption efforts represent a collective duty that must not be diminished by unfounded or politicized narratives.

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