The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that politicians who defect to the ruling party are immune from corruption investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking on Saturday night at his private residence in Yola, Adamawa State, the APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, stated that joining the party does not offer protection from prosecution.
Salihu described the belief that APC membership guarantees safety from anti-graft agencies as a deliberate attempt to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. According to him, the president has a firm stance against corruption and will not interfere with the activities of the EFCC or other law enforcement bodies.
“The idea that anyone can escape prosecution simply by joining the APC is meant to blackmail this government. This administration has zero tolerance for corruption,” Salihu said.
His comments come weeks after former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, alleged that the APC had become a refuge for politicians fleeing EFCC investigations. Babachir also accused the ruling party of planning to manipulate the 2027 general elections.
Responding to the allegation, Salihu urged Nigerians to submit credible petitions against any APC member involved in corruption, assuring that such cases would be thoroughly investigated.
“If anyone has evidence against any APC chieftain, they should write a petition. We will investigate, and if the allegation is proven, prosecution will follow,” he said.
The APC leader further revealed that some party members are already returning stolen public funds as part of ongoing investigations.
“Several APC chieftains have entered plea bargains and are refunding money. Anyone who looted public funds will face prosecution, even if they join APC. Corruption destroyed this country’s economy,” he added.
Salihu also reflected on the origins of the APC, explaining that the party was formed as a coalition to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan from power.
According to him, after achieving that goal, those driven purely by personal ambition gradually left the party, while policy-oriented members remained to focus on national development.
“The power-seeking coalition could not get what they wanted, so they left. Those of us who were policy-driven stayed behind to build the country,” he said.
He also took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), predicting that the party would collapse before the 2027 elections due to internal rivalry and ambition clashes.
“ADC is a power-seeking coalition. Most of its members are presidential hopefuls. There will be no compromise, and once ambitions fail, they will scatter,” Salihu stated.
On rumours that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri may defect to the APC, Salihu said political negotiations are not conducted publicly.
“Politics is not discussed on television or in newspapers. Our duty in APC is to welcome everyone. If Fintiri joins today, I will be happy. No one should be prevented from joining any political party,” he said.
He added, however, that while he would welcome the governor into the APC, he would also respect his decision if he chose to remain elsewhere.