LThe ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to deny pursuing a one-party state, but growing allegations suggest otherwise. Critics insist that state institutions are being deployed to stifle dissent and weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
Those claims intensified on Monday when former Sokoto State governor and opposition coalition leader, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was interrogated and briefly detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to EFCC sources, Tambuwal was grilled over alleged fraudulent withdrawals totaling N189 billion during his eight-year tenure as Sokoto governor. He left office in May 2023, more than two years ago.
The development has sparked heated reactions within the opposition bloc, with many describing the move as a political witch-hunt. “This is clearly an attempt to silence one of the strongest voices against APC’s dominance,” a senior opposition figure told Daily Trust on condition of anonymity.
However, APC leaders insist that the investigation is not politically motivated. “No one is above the law. If there are credible allegations, the EFCC has the duty to act,” a party spokesperson said.
Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and prominent PDP stalwart, has remained a vocal critic of the APC-led federal government. His detention is seen by many as part of a wider strategy to intimidate opposition leaders into silence or submission.
The EFCC has not disclosed whether Tambuwal will face prosecution, but the case is expected to further deepen political tensions as Nigeria inches closer to another election cycle.
