The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, has rejected allegations that politicians who defect to the ruling party are protected from investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Salihu made the clarification on Saturday night during an interaction with journalists at his residence in Yola, the Adamawa State capital. He described the claim as a calculated attempt to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, membership of the APC does not offer immunity from prosecution, stressing that the current government has no tolerance for corruption and does not interfere with the activities of anti-graft agencies.
“The idea that joining APC automatically shields anyone from prosecution is a deliberate smear campaign against this government. President Tinubu has zero tolerance for corruption,” Salihu stated.
His comments come about two months after a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, accused the APC of turning into a refuge for politicians trying to escape EFCC investigations.
Babachir had claimed that as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) weakens, politicians facing corruption cases were flocking to the APC. He also accused the ruling party of being “delusional” and alleged that it intended to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
“This will not happen. Nigerians will resist any criminal attempt to rig the 2027 elections,” Babachir had said.
Reacting to the accusations, Salihu challenged Nigerians with credible evidence against any APC member to submit formal petitions, assuring that the party would not shield anyone found culpable.
“If anyone has proof that an APC chieftain is corrupt, they should write a petition. We will investigate, and whoever is found guilty will face prosecution,” he said.
He further disclosed that some senior party members were already cooperating with authorities by returning stolen funds as part of ongoing investigations.
“Several APC leaders have entered plea bargains and are refunding money. Anyone who stole public funds will be prosecuted, even if they join APC. Corruption destroyed this country’s economy,” Salihu added.
Reflecting on the formation of the APC, Salihu explained that the party began as a coalition aimed at removing former President Goodluck Jonathan from office.
“We achieved that objective. Afterward, those driven purely by power stayed on one side, while political opportunists moved elsewhere,” he said.
He noted that individuals who joined the party for selfish political gains eventually left, while those committed to policy and governance remained.
“The power seekers left because they could not get what they wanted. Those of us who were policy-driven stayed to build the nation,” he said.
Salihu also criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC), predicting that the party would collapse before the 2027 elections.
“ADC is made up largely of power seekers. Nearly 80 percent of those who joined are presidential aspirants. That kind of coalition cannot last,” he said.
According to him, internal rivalry and unwillingness to compromise would eventually tear the party apart.
“They all see themselves as messiahs. Nobody wants to step down for another. Once their ambitions fail, they will simply move to another party,” he added.
Addressing rumours that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri might defect to the APC, Salihu said such discussions are not conducted in public.
“Political negotiations are not done on television or in newspapers,” he said.
He emphasized that the APC remains open to welcoming anyone willing to join, including Governor Fintiri.
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“My duty is to attract people to APC. I would be happy if Fintiri joins today. It is criminal and undemocratic to stop anyone from joining a party of their choice,” Salihu stated.
However, he added pointedly, “If he joins, fine. If he doesn’t, I wish him well — but not good luck.”
