The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has raised a serious alarm, accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of being drawn into a political witch-hunt. The group specifically warned that the anti-graft agency is being used in an alleged vendetta targeting Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
DWI Condemns Politicisation of Anti-Graft Agency
In a strongly-worded statement released on Friday, 3 January 2026, the civil society organisation expressed deep concern over the EFCC's actions. The statement was issued by the group's Director of Strategic Communication, Dr Tunji O. Bamidele.
DWI reminded the EFCC that its core mandate is to uphold the rule of law and ensure public accountability. The group stressed that this mandate should not be subverted to serve as an instrument for political retaliation.
"The EFCC, as a purportedly independent agency tasked with combating economic and financial crimes, has a responsibility to operate without political bias," Dr Bamidele stated. "However, the Commission's response to Governor Mohammed's claims reveals a troubling trend: the use of state institutions to pursue political agendas rather than uphold justice."
Call for Presidential Intervention and Broader Political Scheme
The initiative did not stop at criticising the EFCC. It pointed fingers at a wider political conspiracy, implicating powerful figures including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
DWI issued a direct plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and address the situation. The group cautioned that allowing the EFCC to be manipulated by political interests could trigger a severe political crisis for the administration. Such a crisis, they argued, would fundamentally weaken Nigeria's democratic foundations.
"We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take heed of this alarming situation," the statement continued. "Allowing the EFCC to be manipulated by political actors could drag his administration into a deep political crisis, undermining the very foundations of democracy."
The group emphasised that the governor's previous legal issues should not justify what it called a new wave of accusations. It insisted that any investigation must be conducted with full transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to due process, irrespective of political affiliations.
Warning on Credibility and Selective Outrage
DWI also criticised what it described as hypocrisy and selective outrage from opposition politicians. The group accused them of only speaking up when their allies are under EFCC scrutiny, while remaining conspicuously silent when members of the ruling party face similar allegations.
The statement concluded with a firm warning about the EFCC's credibility. "If the EFCC continues to operate under the shadow of political manipulation, it risks losing public trust and credibility, which are essential for effective governance," Dr Bamidele asserted.
The Democracy Watch Initiative called on the EFCC to refocus on its primary duty of fighting economic and financial crimes. Simultaneously, it urged Governor Bala Mohammed to remain steadfast in his commitment to governing Bauchi State and serving the welfare of its people. The group's final message was that democracy can only flourish where accountability, fairness, and the public interest triumph over personal and political grievances.
