EFCC Begins Clampdown on ADC Top Leaders Ahead of 2027, Grills Coalition Figure Aminu Tambuwal Over ₦189bn Allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified what the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is calling a “politically motivated clampdown” on its senior figures, questioning former Sokoto State governor and serving senator Aminu Tambuwal over alleged fraudulent withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion.
Sources inside the EFCC allege the transactions breached the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, though the exact time frame remains unconfirmed. Tambuwal arrived at EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:30 a.m. on Monday and was detained for interrogation by investigators.
Tambuwal, a two-term governor (2015–2023) and former Speaker of the House of Representatives (2011–2015), is a prominent leader in the ADC-led opposition coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The ADC claims Tambuwal’s questioning is part of a broader, targeted harassment campaign against opposition leaders, with at least three other ex-governors in the coalition recently invited for questioning. Party officials accuse the EFCC of reviving old cases against rivals of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while ignoring allegations against APC members.
“This is a calculated attempt to weaken our ranks and intimidate those determined to rescue Nigeria,”
— Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary.
The EFCC has dismissed the allegations as “ridiculous,” insisting its mandate is to combat financial crimes, not engage in political battles.
Political observers warn that the EFCC’s actions could deepen existing cracks within the fragile coalition, with some key members already distancing themselves from ADC leadership amid rising tensions.
As of press time, Tambuwal and his representatives have not commented on the investigation.
