In what appears to be a no-holds-barred message to Nigeria’s political elite, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption across the board, declaring that no political party — ruling or opposition — will be shielded from scrutiny.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Olukoyede was unequivocal in his stance: “If we discover that you have stolen money, you will have questions to answer, whether you belong to APC, PDP, Labour Party, SDP, or NNPP. Our focus is not on party lines, but on facts and evidence.”
His statement comes amidst growing public concern about selective prosecution and the perception that Nigeria’s anti-corruption war has historically been weaponized against opposition figures. But Olukoyede, who assumed office with a promise to restore integrity and credibility to the Commission, sought to dispel that narrative, vowing instead to chase corruption wherever it rears its head.
The EFCC boss noted that the era of sacred cows is over, and political party membership will no longer serve as a shield for looters of public funds. “We are not driven by politics; we are driven by the facts before us,” he said. “You loot public funds, you face the law. It is as simple as that.”
This strong stance is being seen by analysts as an attempt to reinforce public confidence in the agency, especially at a time when Nigeria faces immense economic challenges largely blamed on decades of looting, mismanagement, and weak accountability mechanisms.
Political observers say the warning is timely as preparations for off-cycle elections intensify, with many politicians already returning to the field, some with heavy corruption baggage. It remains to be seen how far the EFCC will go in proving that this declaration is more than just another soundbite.
But for now, Olukoyede has fired a warning shot: the anti-graft war is back — and no one, regardless of party colors, should feel safe if they have dirty hands.
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