By JKnewsMedia Reporter
THE NIGERIAN Presidency has dismissed claims by opposition politicians alleging threats to multi-party democracy and the “weaponisation” of anti-corruption agencies.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the government described the opposition’s claims as “amusing” and driven by political self-interest.
The statement noted that recent moves by prominent politicians to join the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) were voluntary and fully protected under the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.
The Presidency questioned why similar mass party-switching in the past, particularly to the now-diminished Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2000 and 2015, was not considered a threat to democracy.
Government also defended the independence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating that the agency operates without interference and investigates corruption regardless of political affiliation.
“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute,” the statement said.
It further warned opposition figures against politicising corruption investigations, noting that accountability and probity are essential for Nigeria’s development as the statement highlighted that some of the opposition leaders had previously faced EFCC investigations, with a few also implicated in international financial probes.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be trivialised by baseless allegations or politicised narratives,” the Presidency added.
Government said the statement comes amid growing criticism from opposition figures, who allege that the APC’s dominance and EFCC investigations could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The Presidency then dismissed these claims as distractions from the party’s achievements in less than three years in office.
