Defection to APC Won’t Stop Corruption Probes – FG Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law Amid Allegations

Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi addresses corruption probe concerns amid defection drama.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its unwavering stance on upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice, regardless of political affiliations or defections. This declaration came on the heels of recent claims suggesting that some prominent political figures might be using defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a shield against ongoing corruption investigations.

In a firm response delivered on Friday, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to fighting corruption without fear or favor. Fagbemi, through a statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Kamarudeen Ogundele, dismissed the idea that political maneuvering or changing party affiliations would influence legal proceedings or deter anti-corruption efforts.

The AGF’s statement was prompted by an allegation made by Mr. Paul Ibe, the media aide to former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. In a televised interview aired on a national network, Ibe accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Solicitor General of the Federation of holding a clandestine meeting with both a serving and a former governor from the South-South region of Nigeria, just 48 hours before their official defection to the APC.
Although Ibe did not disclose the names of the alleged politicians involved, the implication sparked widespread debate and criticism across social media and political circles. Many Nigerians interpreted the accusation as a direct attack on the integrity of both the EFCC and the Ministry of Justice. INEC Launches Artificial Intelligence Division to Strengthen Nigeria’s Electoral Process

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, did not mince words in condemning the accusation. In his strongly worded rebuttal, he described the claims as “from the pit of hell,” adding that they were entirely fabricated and misleading. According to the AGF, neither the EFCC Chairman nor the Solicitor General of the Federation met with any governors—past or present—regarding their political defection.

It is important to set the records straight. The allegations made by Mr. Paul Ibe are not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to malign institutions that are critical to the anti-corruption fight,” the AGF said. “We appeal to the public to treat such claims with the contempt they deserve.”

Fagbemi also underscored the federal government’s principle of non-interference in the operations of investigative and judicial bodies, assuring Nigerians that political considerations will never override justice under the current administration.

EFCC Issues Its Own Denial
In a separate but related development, the EFCC also released a formal statement, categorically denying any secret meetings between its Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and unnamed political figures. The statement, signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Dele Oyewale, labeled the allegations as “patently fabricated” and lacking any factual basis.
The EFCC pointed out that Mr. Ibe’s interview was filled with “sundry theories, conjectures, and assumptions” regarding opposition politics and defections. It maintained that Olukoyede is apolitical and committed to leading the EFCC free of any partisan influence.

“The public is enjoined to disregard the alleged meeting with the unnamed Governor. It exists only in the imagination of Mr. Ibe,” the EFCC’s statement read.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has consistently portrayed itself as a champion of accountability, transparency, and good governance. Since taking office, the president has promised to reform the country’s justice system, strengthen institutions, and ensure that no Nigerian is above the law regardless of political affiliation.
This latest controversy brings to light the deep mistrust that still exists between the ruling party and opposition members, particularly in a political climate where defections are often seen as a strategic move rather than an ideological shift.
Analysts have noted that while the APC continues to attract politicians from rival parties, it is critical for the administration to separate party politics from institutional responsibilities. Failure to do so could jeopardize public trust and undermine the government’s credibility.

The allegations and subsequent rebuttals have triggered mixed reactions from the public. While some Nigerians commend the federal government and the EFCC for their swift and clear responses, others believe that the reality of political influence on investigations cannot be entirely dismissed.
On social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, users expressed skepticism about the timing of the defections and called for greater transparency and accountability in political transitions.

A user wrote, “If there's truly nothing to hide, let’s see EFCC continue their investigations without any hindrance. Defection should not grant immunity.” Another stated, “Kudos to the AGF for standing firm. Nigerians are watching closely. No sacred cows!”

In a country like Nigeria, where political defections are common and often strategic, it becomes even more critical to uphold justice, impartiality, and institutional independence. The statement by the AGF and the EFCC’s firm response sends a clear message: the anti-corruption fight is far from over, and no one should expect immunity simply by switching parties.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Nigerians are watching to see if President Tinubu’s administration will walk the talk and ensure that the rule of law remains supreme regardless of whose ox is gored.

By Primelineinfo