Former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr. Jackson Lekan Ojo, has alleged that the arrest of former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a politically motivated move aimed at weakening the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the North-West.
Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, is a key figure in the ADC’s coalition strategy. Ojo claimed that the timing of the arrest suggests it was intended to damage Tambuwal’s growing political influence, particularly in Sokoto and across the North-West. He argued that such actions could backfire, turning Tambuwal into “the people’s hero” amid public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
“It is believed that those in government instigated the petition to the EFCC,” Ojo said, alleging that political rivals, including Tambuwal’s predecessor, may have played a role. He questioned why the EFCC has not acted on long-standing petitions against former governors and other APC members who were under investigation before joining the ruling party.
Ojo likened Tambuwal’s situation to that of former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who faced graft allegations but reportedly saw investigations fade after aligning with the APC. Citing past remarks by former APC chairman Adams Oshiomhole that “once you join APC, your sins are forgiven,” Ojo argued that the EFCC’s actions reflect a selective approach to anti-corruption enforcement.
Describing the move as a “political vendetta” and “an attempt to intimidate Tambuwal into joining the APC,” Ojo urged opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that the current trend risks steering Nigeria toward a one-party state.
“The opposition is too quiet,” he said. “They must come together, like in 2015 when a coalition unseated the PDP, to rescue Nigerians from hardship, insecurity, and poor governance.”
Would you like me to also prepare three alternative concise headlines for this story so you have options for publication?
