Segun Sowunmi, a former spokesperson for ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is legally bound to investigate allegations of financial crimes.
He stated this while reacting to claims by opposition leaders that the anti-graft agency was being used by the Federal government to witch-hunt them.
Sowunmi argued that no one is above the law, and the constitution does not create exemptions for opposition leaders, former officeholders, or political coalitions.
Speaking via a statement on Monday, he warned that democracy comes under threat when political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law.
He noted that calling an investigation “victimisation” signals an attempt to pre-empt justice with propaganda.
His words: “Let it be stated plainly: opposition is not a licence to steal, and it is not a shield against accountability. The Nigerian Constitution is clear; it mandates the State to abolish corruption and abuse of power. It does not create exemptions for opposition leaders, former officeholders, or political coalitions.
“Investigation, arrest, and prosecution, when carried out within the law, do not violate fundamental rights. This is settled by the Supreme Court, not by political press conferences.
“If you are innocent, the courts will clear you. If you are not, the law will take its course. That is the essence of the rule of law. Those with clean hands have nothing to fear; those with questions to answer should answer them before the law.
“Enough is enough. Nigeria will not trade the rule of law for political convenience.”
Sowunmi argued that when trust is breached, there are consequences, and a professional legal defence and respect for due process are the proper ways to respond to an investigation, not alarmism, international lobbying, or political noise.