No Escape: APC Warns New Members That EFCC Cases Will Catch Up With Them

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, has dismissed claims that politicians defecting to the ruling party are automatically shielded from investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Salihu made the remarks on Saturday night while speaking to journalists at his private residence in Yola, Adamawa State.

He argued that the notion of APC membership offering immunity from prosecution is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Salihu emphasized that the president maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and would not interfere with the operations of anti-graft agencies.

“The idea that anyone can escape prosecution simply by joining APC is meant to blackmail this administration. This government has zero tolerance for corruption,” he stated.

Salihu’s comments come nearly two months after former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, accused the APC of being a refuge for politicians seeking to evade the EFCC.

“It is my belief that more patriots will soon join us, even as the PDP self-destructs and the APC becomes a haven for EFCC fugitives,” Lawal had said. He further described the ruling party as “delusional,” alleging that its strategy for the 2027 elections was aimed at manipulating results.

“This is pure delusion. Nigerians will support us to frustrate any attempts at criminal manipulation of the 2027 election results,” Lawal added.

In response, Salihu encouraged Nigerians with credible evidence of corruption against any APC member to submit formal petitions, assuring that the party would take decisive action.

“Anyone with information on any APC leader involved in corruption should write a petition. We will investigate, and if found guilty, such a person will be prosecuted,” he said.

He further revealed that some APC leaders had already returned misappropriated funds as part of ongoing accountability measures.

“Many APC chieftains have made restitution and are returning stolen money. Anyone who misappropriated public funds will be prosecuted, even if they join APC, because corruption has severely harmed our economy,” Salihu noted.

Tracing the party’s origins, Salihu explained that the APC was initially formed as a coalition to unseat former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We succeeded in sending Jonathan out of power. After that, those focused solely on one-party ambitions left, while policy-driven members remained to build the nation,” he said.

Salihu predicted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would struggle to survive beyond the 2027 elections.

“ADC is primarily a power-seeking coalition, and about 80 percent of its members are presidential aspirants. Their internal rivalries and unwillingness to compromise will soon break the party apart,” he said.

Addressing speculations about Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri possibly joining APC, Salihu said political negotiations are conducted privately.

“Political discussions are not held on television or in newspapers. Our role in APC is to attract everyone to the party. I would welcome Fintiri if he joins. It is democratic for anyone to choose their affiliation,” he said, adding, “If he joins, good. If he doesn’t, I wish him well, but I will not personally wish him good luck.”