Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to persecute him and members of his administration because of his refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the allegation on Wednesday in Bauchi while speaking at a public event, where he described the actions of the anti-graft agency as politically motivated rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort. According to Bala Mohammed, the EFCC has allegedly targeted his cabinet members and associates in what he called an attempt to intimidate him into joining the APC. He claimed that one of his commissioners is currently facing prosecution, while his own name has been repeatedly mentioned in court processes, despite the constitutional immunity enjoyed by sitting governors. They want to criminalise me because I refused to join the APC. I will not allow anyone to intimidate or blackmail me into abandoning my principles or my party,” the governor said. Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, insisted that he would remain in the opposition party regardless of pressure, stressing that political pluralism is essential for Nigeria’s democracy to thrive. He warned against what he described as the dangerous use of state institutions to silence opposition voices, noting that such actions could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections. The governor further stated that anti-corruption agencies should operate independently and professionally, without being influenced by partisan interests, adding that opposition politicians should not be treated as criminals simply for holding dissenting political views. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency, the APC, nor the EFCC had issued an official response to the allegations. The EFCC has, however, consistently maintained in past cases that its investigations and prosecutions are based strictly on evidence and not political considerations. The development adds to growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures, many of whom have accused the Federal Government of selective justice and political intimidation ahead of future elections.