The Presidency has dismissed allegations by opposition politicians that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat and that anti-corruption agencies are being weaponised for political purposes, describing such claims as diversionary tactics by failed political actors.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said recent criticisms from opposition figures stem from their inability to gain political traction and their search for scapegoats.

Onanuga rejected claims that politicians defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were coerced, stressing that freedom of association is guaranteed by the constitution. He said those joining the APC were doing so voluntarily, motivated by what he described as the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.

The Presidency also refuted accusations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being used to target political opponents, insisting that the agency operates independently within its legal mandate. According to the statement, President Tinubu does not direct the EFCC on whom to investigate or prosecute.

While noting that the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC, Onanuga said the commission is empowered to investigate and prosecute financial crimes regardless of political affiliation or status. He added that individuals with cases before the agency should defend themselves in court rather than attack institutions.

The statement further argued that anti-corruption efforts should not be politicised, recalling that some of the critics had faced EFCC investigations even before Tinubu assumed office in 2023, with others allegedly linked to international money laundering cases.

The Presidency warned opposition figures against undermining state institutions, stressing that accountability applies to all Nigerians and that political affiliation should not shield anyone from investigation.

Onanuga concluded that allegations of “weaponisation” were attempts to distract from governance achievements and the administration’s anti-corruption drive, which he said recently contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.