The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong warning concerning what it calls orchestrated smear campaigns designed to weaken its operations as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Uncovering the Coordinated Attacks
In a statement released on Tuesday, 7 January 2026, the commission's Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, revealed that the anti-graft body has uncovered attempts by individuals with vested interests to sponsor media assaults against the institution and its leadership.
The EFCC stated that these attacks are particularly aimed at its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, with the primary goal of distracting the agency from its duties. According to the commission, a diverse group comprising politicians, academics, self-proclaimed civil society activists, and even some Nigerian fugitives abroad have been recruited to spread false allegations of political bias.
Objective: Intimidation and Distraction
The agency asserted that the ultimate aim of these campaigns is to confuse the public and intimidate the EFCC into a passive state. "Their objective is to befuddle the works of the Commission and, through scaremongering, intimidate the Commission into a timid mode," the statement explained.
It further noted that these efforts are specifically intended to pressure the commission into refraining from investigating opposition politicians out of fear of being labeled as partisan. The EFCC anticipates that these smear campaigns will intensify as the 2027 elections draw nearer, a period typically marked by increased political tension.
Reaffirming Non-Partisan Stance and Mandate
In response to the alleged plots, the EFCC strongly reiterated its commitment to operating without political bias. It emphasized that its activities are strictly guided by its Establishment Act and the Nigerian Constitution, not by political considerations.
"Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar of the Commission," the statement declared. It added that prominent figures from both the ruling and opposition parties are currently under investigation or facing trial.
The commission also addressed claims of selective prosecution, clarifying that respecting the constitutional presumption of innocence for defendants does not equate to defending them. "The Commission has no alliance or working relationship with any political party. All these facts are unassailable," it stressed.
Commitment to Due Process and Resilience
The EFCC further stated that it would not yield to pressure or blackmail to publicly name politically exposed persons under investigation, insisting that such disclosures must follow legal and operational procedures.
While monitoring the activities of those involved in the alleged smear campaigns, the commission issued a firm caution. It vowed not to tolerate any attempts to derail it from its patriotic responsibility of promoting accountability and fighting corruption.
The agency concluded by affirming its dedication to executing its mandate "without fear or favour," regardless of an individual's political affiliation or social status.
