Joining APC Won’t Shield You from Corruption Probe, Prosecution, FG Warns Defectors
The Federal Government has refuted allegations that recent political defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were orchestrated to help shield politicians from ongoing corruption investigations.
This comes after Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleged during a televised interview that top officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Ministry of Justice had held secret meetings with a former and a serving governor from a South-South state, just 48 hours before their defection to the APC.
Though Ibe did not name the individuals involved, his statement sparked public speculation and criticism, raising concerns over the credibility of the Tinubu administration’s anti-corruption drive.
In a firm response, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the claims as “false, baseless, and malicious.”
“The allegation is from the pit of hell and at best, a figment of the imagination of Mr. Ibe,” Fagbemi stated in an official press release.
He categorically denied that either the EFCC Chairman or the Solicitor General of the Federation had met with any serving or former governor, describing the accusations as an attempt to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“We urge members of the public to disregard this insinuation. It is a feeble attempt to undermine the credibility of the federal government’s anti-corruption efforts,” Fagbemi added.
The EFCC also issued a separate rebuttal through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale. The Commission denounced the statements by Ibe as “patently fabricated and in bad taste.”
“The EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, is apolitical. He has made it clear at several fora that the EFCC is totally wired against partisan tendencies,” the statement emphasized.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to impartial investigations and stated that no individual, regardless of political alignment, would be spared from lawful scrutiny.
The controversy comes amid a wave of high-profile defections to the APC, sparking debate over whether these moves are driven by ideological alignment or strategic attempts to gain political protection.
Observers have noted a growing trend where politicians facing corruption investigations switch parties, often aligning with the ruling party in what critics see as an effort to escape prosecution.
However, the Federal Government insists that party affiliation will not interfere with the legal process.
“The Tinubu-led administration remains resolute in its fight against corruption. No one is above the law—no matter whose ox is gored,” Fagbemi affirmed.
Both the Federal Ministry of Justice and the EFCC emphasized their dedication to due process and the rule of law. They assured the public that all investigations and prosecutions will continue without bias or political interference.
The administration has faced increasing pressure to demonstrate its anti-corruption commitment, especially in the wake of recent political realignments. The government’s reassurances seek to reaffirm public trust in Nigeria’s justice system and its democratic institutions.
