EFCC Charges Will Not Vanish — APC Warns New Entrants

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Mustapha Salihu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman for the North-East, has dismissed claims suggesting that politicians who join the ruling party are shielded from scrutiny or prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking to journalists on Saturday evening at his Yola residence in Adamawa State, Salihu emphasized that joining the APC does not grant immunity from corruption investigations or legal accountability.

“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 stated, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration maintains a firm stance against financial misconduct.

Salihu’s remarks follow criticisms by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who alleged that the APC had become a haven for politicians seeking to avoid EFCC scrutiny. Lawal described the party as “delusional,” claiming it planned to manipulate the 2027 elections, a view Salihu firmly rejected.

Salihu urged Nigerians with credible evidence of wrongdoing by any APC member to submit formal petitions, assuring that allegations would be investigated and, if proven, prosecuted.

“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, adding that some party leaders have already entered plea agreements and are returning misappropriated funds.

Tracing the party’s history, Salihu explained that the APC was originally formed as a coalition to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan from office. While policy-driven members remained, opportunists who sought power for personal gain eventually exited the party.

“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 said.

He also criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC), predicting that internal rivalries and a refusal to compromise would destabilize the party before or during the 2027 elections.

“ADC is a power-driven coalition and will not last. About 80 percent of those who joined it are presidential aspirants. They already display a messianic mindset. No one wants to step down or support another candidate. Once their ambitions fail, they will move to another party,” he explained.

On speculation regarding Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri potentially joining the APC, Salihu stated that such discussions are private and not conducted through the media.

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

Concluding, Salihu added, “If he joins APC, that’s fine. If he doesn’t, I wish him well — but I won’t wish him good luck.”