EFCC Chairman Accused of Secret Meeting with Defecting Governors — Atiku’s Spokesman Raises Alarm
In a startling political development that has stirred national discourse, Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has made serious allegations against Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Ibe, Olukoyede allegedly held a secret meeting with a sitting governor and his predecessor from a South-South state just 48 hours before their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These allegations, which were aired during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, May 22, have sparked significant reactions from the EFCC and the Attorney General’s office, both of which have strongly denied any wrongdoing. The controversy unfolds amid a wave of high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC, raising fresh concerns about Nigeria’s political balance and the neutrality of anti-corruption agencies.
Allegations of Political Interference: What Paul Ibe Said
During the interview, Paul Ibe claimed that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, met with a serving governor and his predecessor at a government lodge in a South-South state just two days before both men announced their defection to the APC.
"The meeting took place at a government lodge in a South-South state, 48 hours before the unnamed governors officially joined the APC," Ibe alleged.
He further stated that the Solicitor-General of the Federation was also present at the meeting, although he refused to disclose the names of the individuals involved. The implications of such a meeting, if proven true, are damning: it would suggest collusion between the EFCC—a supposedly neutral anti-corruption agency—and key political figures ahead of a significant political realignment.
Though Ibe stopped short of naming names, many believe he was referring to political figures from Delta State and Akwa Ibom State, two key states in Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone.
EFCC Responds: “Patently Fabricated and in Bad Taste”
The EFCC wasted no time in responding to the allegations. In a statement released on Friday, May 23, the Commission described Ibe’s claims as completely false and malicious. Dele Oyewale, the agency’s spokesperson, dismissed the allegations outright and reiterated the EFCC Chairman's commitment to neutrality.
“Olukoyede has stressed it at several fora that he is apolitical and the EFCC totally wired against partisan tendencies,” the statement read.
Oyewale didn’t mince words, describing the accusations as “patently fabricated and in bad taste.” The Commission urged the public to disregard the claims, reaffirming that the EFCC remains a non-partisan agency committed to fighting corruption regardless of political affiliation.
This swift and firm denial is consistent with the agency’s public posture under Olukoyede, who has repeatedly emphasized his detachment from political leanings since his appointment.
Attorney-General’s Office Weighs In: “From the Pit of Hell”
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) also issued a strong rebuttal to the allegations. Kamarudeen Ogundele, the media aide to AGF Lateef Fagbemi, described the claims as entirely fictitious and baseless.
“Although he (Ibe) failed to mention their names, the discerning members of the public know those he could have been referring to. However, we wish to state categorically that the allegation is from the pit of hell, and at best, a figment of the imagination of Mr Ibe,” Ogundele stated.
Such harsh language from a government office indicates the seriousness with which the administration views the accusations, particularly in a politically sensitive period leading up to elections and increasing scrutiny over governance and transparency.
Defections from PDP to APC: The Political Context
The controversy comes at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is shifting dramatically. In recent weeks, several prominent politicians from the opposition PDP have crossed over to the ruling APC.
Most notably, in April 2025, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, both officially defected to the APC. Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has also expressed intentions to join the ruling party.
Both Delta State and Akwa Ibom are located in the South-South, the same region Ibe referenced during his allegations. This geographic link has added fuel to speculation about the identities of the governors allegedly involved in the alleged secret meeting with the EFCC Chairman.
The rapid pace of defections from PDP to APC is causing alarm among political observers and civil society organizations. Many fear that Nigeria could be headed toward a de facto one-party state, where dissent and opposition are either absorbed or silenced.
Concerns About EFCC’s Political Neutrality
The EFCC is legally mandated to be a non-partisan body, responsible for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes. Any suggestion of collusion or favoritism—especially in matters as critical as political defections—poses a serious threat to the institution’s credibility.
Analysts warn that even the appearance of bias can erode public trust in anti-corruption institutions, which are already under immense pressure in Nigeria due to perceptions of selective justice and political interference.
Though the EFCC and AGF have strongly denied the claims, the very fact that such allegations are being made—and gaining traction—underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the actions of public officials.
Why This Story Matters: Political Defections and Democratic Health
Political defections are not new in Nigeria, but the volume and timing of recent moves from PDP to APC have sparked a wider debate about the country’s political future. Critics argue that the current wave of defections is not ideological but transactional, driven by promises of political protection or influence.
If top officials from the EFCC or the Ministry of Justice were involved in facilitating these defections, it would represent a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. While there is no concrete evidence yet, the calls for an independent investigation into Ibe’s allegations are growing louder.
Civil society groups, opposition parties, and concerned Nigerians are urging the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and anti-corruption watchdogs to investigate the matter impartially and publicly.
Conclusion: Truth or Political Spin?
At the heart of this controversy lies a deeper question about Nigeria’s democratic integrity and the role of institutions in shaping political outcomes. Was there indeed a meeting between the EFCC Chairman and defecting governors? Or is this a political smokescreen by Atiku’s camp to discredit recent defections from his party?
As things stand, there is no publicly available evidence to confirm or deny the claims made by Paul Ibe. However, the seriousness of the allegations demands a thorough and transparent investigation—not just for the sake of political fairness, but for the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
For now, Nigerians watch and wait.
