The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of conducting selective and politically motivated arrests and investigations targeting prominent opposition figures, including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, in a deliberate bid to diminish the growing influence of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Hajiya Hassana Shuaibu Dada, the Assistant National Youth Leader (North Central) of the ADC, described the recent EFCC actions as “clearly politically motivated efforts to weaken the ADC because we represent a real alternative to the ruling party.”
Dada alleged that the timing and pattern of the probes against Malami and El-Rufai—who have both been publicly linked to the ADC in recent months—form part of a broader strategy by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate opposition leaders and frustrate emerging coalitions challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“The selective prosecutions of our leaders, Hon. Abubakar Malami and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, through the EFCC are not about fighting corruption but about slowing down the momentum of the ADC,” she stated. “These are pressure tactics designed to distract, divide, and demoralize opposition forces at a critical time when Nigerians are seeking genuine alternatives.”
The ADC youth leader pointed to the high-profile nature of the investigations, which have involved raids, asset seizures, and public summons, as evidence of what she called “weaponization” of anti-corruption agencies. She argued that the EFCC’s focus on opposition figures while allegedly overlooking similar allegations against ruling party members demonstrates bias and undermines public confidence in the commission’s independence.
“These efforts will not intimidate us; instead, they will only strengthen our unity and resolve,” Dada declared. “The more they try to suppress us, the more determined we become to offer Nigerians a credible platform for change.”
The statement comes amid speculation that both Malami and El-Rufai are positioning themselves within the ADC as part of efforts to build a formidable opposition bloc for 2027. Malami, who served as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and El-Rufai, a two-term governor known for his reformist policies in Kaduna, have been vocal critics of aspects of the Tinubu administration’s economic and security handling.
The ADC, which has gained renewed attention following high-profile defections and alliances, has positioned itself as a “third force” alternative to both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party has emphasized youth inclusion, anti-corruption, and national unity as core planks of its platform.
Dada reiterated the ADC’s commitment to justice, fairness, and national development, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and support political alternatives that prioritize accountability and good governance. She appealed directly to party supporters nationwide to stay focused and undeterred by what she described as “politically driven distractions.”
“The ADC remains unshaken. We will continue to build a movement that puts the people first, not partisan interests,” she added. “We call on all Nigerians to reject intimidation and stand with parties that truly seek to serve the nation.”
Neither the EFCC nor the Presidency has issued an immediate response to the ADC’s allegations as of Wednesday afternoon. The commission has previously maintained that all investigations are evidence-based, conducted in line with the law, and independent of political influence.
The accusations reflect deepening partisan tensions in Nigeria as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Opposition parties have repeatedly claimed that federal agencies, including the EFCC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police, are being used to harass critics and opposition figures, a charge the federal government has consistently denied.
The development also highlights the ADC’s growing visibility and the challenges it faces in establishing itself as a viable national platform amid allegations of institutional bias. As the election cycle approaches, such claims are likely to feature prominently in opposition messaging, with parties seeking to frame themselves as victims of state-sponsored persecution while rallying public support.
Stakeholders, including civil society groups and election observers, have called for greater transparency and independence in anti-corruption efforts to preserve public trust in democratic institutions.
