EFCC Charges Will Not Vanish — APC Warns New Entrants

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The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, has rejected claims that politicians who defect to the ruling party are protected from investigation or prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking to journalists on Saturday night at his residence in Yola, Adamawa State, Salihu stated that joining the APC does not offer immunity from corruption-related cases.

According to him, the widespread belief that party membership can shield individuals from prosecution is a calculated attempt to undermine the credibility of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Salihu stressed that the president maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on corruption and would never obstruct the activities of anti-graft agencies.

“The idea that anyone can escape prosecution simply by joining the APC is a deliberate effort to blackmail this administration. This government has zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

His comments come barely two months after former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, accused the APC of turning into a refuge for politicians seeking to evade the EFCC.

“It is my belief that more patriots will soon join us, while the PDP collapses and the APC becomes a shelter for EFCC fugitives,” Babachir had claimed.

He further described the ruling party as “delusional,” alleging that its strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections was to manipulate electoral outcomes.

“This is complete delusion. It will not happen. Nigerians will support us to stop any criminal manipulation of the 2027 election results,” he added.

In response, Salihu called on Nigerians who possess credible evidence against any APC member to formally submit petitions, assuring that the party would take appropriate action.

“Anyone with valid information against any APC leader should write a petition. We will investigate, and if the allegation is proven, the person involved will be prosecuted,” he said.

He also disclosed that some APC leaders are already returning misappropriated funds as part of ongoing investigations.

“Several APC chieftains have entered plea bargains and are returning money. Anyone who stole public funds will face prosecution, even if they join APC. Corruption has damaged this country’s economy,” Salihu stated.

Tracing the origins of the party, Salihu explained that the APC was initially formed as a coalition to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan from office.

“We succeeded in removing Jonathan. After that, those who were policy-driven remained, while political opportunists separated themselves,” he said.

According to him, individuals motivated purely by the pursuit of power eventually exited the party, while those focused on governance and reform stayed behind.

“The power-seeking coalition is no longer part of APC because they couldn’t achieve their personal goals. Those of us who were policy-driven stayed to help build the country,” he added.

Salihu also criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC), predicting that the party would not survive beyond the 2027 elections.

“ADC is a power-driven coalition and will not last. About 80 percent of those who joined it are presidential aspirants,” he said.

He argued that internal rivalry and refusal to compromise would eventually destabilize the party.

“They already display a messianic mindset. No one wants to step down or support another candidate. It’s a winner-takes-all mentality. Once their ambitions fail, they will move to another party,” he added.

Addressing speculation that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri may defect to the APC, Salihu said such discussions are never conducted in public.

“Political negotiations are not done on television or in newspapers,” he said.

“Our responsibility in APC is to attract everyone into the party. I would welcome Fintiri if he joins today. It is undemocratic and criminal to stop anyone from associating with a party of their choice,” Salihu stated.

He concluded by saying, “If he joins APC, that’s fine. If he doesn’t, I wish him well — but I won’t wish him good luck.”