EFCC Fires Back at Bala Mohammed, Denies Political Witch-Hunt Allegations- Gossip News Now

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has dismissed accusations from Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the anti-graft agency is being used as a political tool against him.

The commission insisted that its operations remain independent and guided strictly by the law, stressing that politics has never influenced its investigations or enforcement activities.

EFCC Rejects Claims of Political Persecution

Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier alleged that recent actions taken against some officials linked to his administration were connected to political pressure over his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Part of the governor’s complaint centered on the arrest of his state’s Finance Commissioner, whom he claimed had committed no wrongdoing.

However, the EFCC strongly denied the allegation, maintaining that no politician dictates how the commission carries out its responsibilities.

Speaking during a media interview, EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren argued that the agency’s record over the years demonstrates institutional neutrality rather than political favoritism.

Agency Insists Politics Does Not Influence Investigations

According to the commission, attempts to portray its activities as politically motivated are misleading and harmful to its anti-corruption mandate.

Uwujaren reportedly rejected suggestions that the agency was acting under the influence of powerful political figures, including Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Gossip News Now reports that the EFCC maintained that investigations are conducted independently and based solely on available evidence.

The agency also clarified that constitutional immunity protecting governors from prosecution does not stop security institutions from carrying out investigations when necessary.

EFCC Speaks on Constitutional Immunity

Explaining the legal position, the commission noted that immunity only shields certain officeholders from prosecution while in office, but does not prevent investigative procedures.

Uwujaren emphasized that law enforcement agencies retain the authority to investigate public officeholders, including governors and other top government officials.

He further stressed that the EFCC has no interest in persecuting any political figure and only acts within the boundaries established by Nigerian law.

Warning Against Politicising Anti-Corruption Agencies

The anti-graft body also cautioned politicians against dragging the commission into partisan disputes capable of weakening public confidence in the fight against corruption.

Observers believe the exchange highlights the growing political tension ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as allegations of selective investigations continue to surface within Nigeria’s political environment.

Some analysts argue that anti-corruption agencies frequently find themselves caught in political crossfire whenever high-profile investigations involve influential public officeholders.

Analysis: Political Accusations May Intensify Before 2027

With political alignments already shifting nationwide, accusations of intimidation, selective prosecution, and political interference are likely to become more frequent in the months ahead.

While the EFCC insists it operates independently, opposition figures may continue to question the timing of investigations involving politically exposed persons.

For many Nigerians, the bigger concern remains whether anti-corruption institutions can maintain public trust while navigating an increasingly heated political atmosphere.