Northern Leaders have reacted to EFCC arrest of Former Sokoto Governor Tambuwal.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that prominent voices from Northern Nigeria have reacted strongly to the arrest of former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, warning that the move could have far-reaching political consequences.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained Tambuwal on Monday at its Abuja headquarters for questioning over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion during his tenure as governor. Investigators claim the withdrawals breached the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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The arrest has sparked controversy, with some northern leaders describing it as politically motivated, while others insist that the law must take its course irrespective of political affiliation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the arrest, calling it an act of intimidation against opposition politicians. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the Tinubu administration of using the EFCC to harass political opponents, while ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi emphasized that Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight must be fair, transparent, and impartial. Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also criticized the move as a partisan tactic undermining public trust.
Northern commentator Mahdi Shehu accused the EFCC of selective enforcement, stating:
“If this is not political, why arrest Tambuwal now when politicians like Godswill Akpabio, Bello Matawalle, Aliyu Wamakko, and several serving ministers under criminal trials, along with 43 percent of National Assembly members facing fraud charges, are being shielded? The EFCC targets opposition figures while protecting APC members.”
Shehu further highlighted alleged corruption scandals ignored by the agency, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) unaccounted ₦210 trillion between 2017 and 2023, and the missing $7 billion (₦10.4 trillion) for refinery maintenance. He accused the EFCC of shielding officials with political influence, including Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, who recently showcased a multi-billion naira mansion online.
Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada, a former Kano House of Assembly aspirant, echoed the concerns, describing Tambuwal’s arrest as “purely political and very unfortunate.” He alleged that many APC members with corruption allegations escape scrutiny, while opposition figures face harassment and intimidation. Tudunwada suggested the move is linked to Tambuwal’s recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration.
However, public affairs advocate Rabiu Musa urged Nigerians to focus on the alleged crime rather than political affiliations:
“Did Tambuwal commit an offense that warranted arrest? People should look beyond politics and assess the facts objectively.”
The EFCC has maintained that its operations are non-partisan, stressing that the law applies to all, regardless of party membership.
Tambuwal’s detention has reignited debates over selective enforcement, political interference in anti-corruption agencies, and the credibility of Nigeria’s fight against financial crimes.
