HURIWA Accuses EFCC of Acting as Tinubu’s ‘Attack Dog’ Over Tambuwal’s Arrest
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of abandoning its statutory mandate and serving as a political tool for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The group alleged that the anti-graft agency is engaging in selective arrests and investigations to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the EFCC’s interrogation and detention of former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Tambuwal, over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion. The association described the move as a “politically-orchestrated smokescreen” aimed at fracturing the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition, which has declared its intention to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“Every discerning Nigerian can see the handwriting on the wall. The EFCC is no longer the fearless watchdog envisioned by law; it has been reduced to an obedient lapdog, deployed to do the dirty political work of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” HURIWA said.
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The group noted that at least three former governors in the coalition have been summoned by the EFCC in recent days over what it called “stale cases,” while alleged corruption involving APC stalwarts often disappears from public scrutiny after they defect to the ruling party.
HURIWA said the timing of Tambuwal’s arrest—just months after the coalition began strategic consultations—was a calculated attempt to cripple the opposition before the 2027 race. It also dismissed the EFCC’s claims of non-partisanship, warning that selective prosecution erodes public trust, damages Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, and undermines the rule of law.
The association urged Nigerians, civil society, and the media to resist what it described as a “dangerous slide into one-party dictatorship,” and called on the National Assembly to summon the EFCC leadership to explain the revival of old cases against opposition leaders. It also appealed to the international community to take note of what it termed “state-sponsored political persecution masquerading as anti-corruption.”
“The EFCC is not the property of the APC and it certainly is not a re-election task force for Bola Tinubu,” HURIWA warned. “Today it is Tambuwal and the ADC coalition; tomorrow it will be journalists, activists, and any citizen bold enough to challenge Tinubu’s government.”
By PRNigeria
