EFCC Summons Key ADC Coalition Leaders as 2027 Politics Heats Up

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned key leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition for questioning, in a move that has sparked unease within the opposition bloc preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The development came to public attention on Monday following the detention of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, a figure within the coalition.

Tambuwal, who governed Sokoto from 2015 to 2023, was questioned over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion.

The withdrawals, it is understood are suspected to have violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. An EFCC source disclosed that Tambuwal arrived at the EFCC’s Abuja headquarters at about 11:30 a.m. and was taken in for interrogation by investigators.

“Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of ₦189 billion,” the source said. “The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. The governor arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters around 11:30 a.m. and faced interrogators on the alleged financial crime.”

Another EFCC official, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that Tambuwal remained in custody as of Monday evening.

Meanwhile, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed that three former governors, who are also leaders within the coalition, had been invited by the anti-graft agency. Although he did not disclose their names, Abdullahi alleged the move was politically motivated.

“Yes, they have summoned our members, but I won’t give you names,” he said. “There are three of them, former governors. Some are already members of the National Assembly, while others are not. Some left office in 2023, and some even earlier than that. This is an attempt to force them to leave the coalition, or to intimidate them into not taking an active part in it. But we are determined to rescue Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, sources within the coalition described the EFCC’s action as a “brazen show of power” intended to weaken the opposition. One source said many coalition members were worried about the political implications but vowed to continue their campaign for change.

The summons comes on the heels of recent moves by several high-profile politicians to publicly distance themselves from the coalition. Former Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode has reaffirmed his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, dismissing rumours of a governorship ambition under the ADC.

Similarly, former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi has reaffirmed his commitment to the APC in Ekiti State, while former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, dismissed reports claiming he had defected from the ruling party to join the opposition coalition.