The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected accusations that politicians accused of corruption automatically gain protection from prosecution once they defect to the ruling party.
Speaking in Yola, Adamawa State, the APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, insisted that anti-corruption investigations remain active regardless of political affiliation. He stated that membership in the ruling party does not erase pending allegations or shield anyone from the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His comments came amid growing criticism from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who recently alleged that some politicians move into the APC to avoid scrutiny from anti-graft agencies.
Responding to the allegation, Salihu described the claims as politically motivated attempts to damage the image of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stressed that the current government continues to maintain a strict anti-corruption posture.
According to Gossip News Now, the APC chieftain maintained that anyone with verifiable evidence against party members should formally approach relevant authorities instead of relying on public accusations.
He explained that credible petitions against any APC figure would receive proper attention, adding that prosecution would follow if investigations confirmed wrongdoing. Salihu also disclosed that some political figures linked to corruption cases had already entered legal agreements and were returning diverted funds.
The APC vice chairman further used the opportunity to reflect on the origins of the ruling party, explaining that the APC emerged from a coalition of political groups determined to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan from office.
He argued that while some members remained committed to governance and policy reforms, others who joined for personal political interests eventually lost influence and exited the party after failing to achieve their ambitions.
Salihu also turned his attention to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), predicting that the opposition coalition could struggle with internal conflicts ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, many of the individuals currently gathering under the ADC platform are nursing presidential ambitions, making unity difficult to sustain.
He suggested that competing personal interests within the ADC may eventually weaken the coalition, especially if major aspirants refuse to compromise or support one another during the party’s internal selection process.
On the possibility of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State joining the APC, Salihu noted that political discussions are usually handled privately rather than through media debates. He added that the APC remains open to welcoming new members irrespective of their political background.
While expressing willingness to receive the governor into the party if he chooses to defect, Salihu emphasized that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to associate freely with any political platform.
Political Commentary and Analysis
The latest remarks from Mustapha Salihu appear aimed at countering growing public perception that political defections often influence anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. Over the years, accusations of selective prosecution have remained a recurring issue in the country’s political environment.
Political analysts believe the APC’s strong response may also be part of a wider strategy to defend the credibility of the Tinubu administration ahead of future elections. At the same time, the comments targeting the ADC underline the increasing political rivalry already building toward the 2027 general elections.
With coalition talks intensifying across opposition parties, observers say internal unity and leadership ambitions may become major deciding factors in Nigeria’s next political contest.
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