A coalition of leading opposition figures has accused the Federal Government of using anti-corruption agencies to intimidate and target political opponents, warning that such actions threaten the country’s multi-party democratic system.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the group alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is weaponising state institutions—such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Police, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission—to pursue political rivals under the pretext of fighting corruption.

The statement was signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark; former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Olabode George; and former Minister of State for Defence Lawal Batagarawa.

“Nigerians have observed what many describe as a covert, undemocratic agenda aimed at bringing all state governments under the ruling party’s control—not through fair elections, but by pressuring opposition governors via anti-corruption agencies until they switch allegiance.

“Recent defections of opposition governors have intensified public concern that political coercion, rather than ideological or personal persuasion, is driving these shifts.

“This strategy also targets influential opposition figures perceived as key players in emerging coalitions ahead of the 2027 general election.

“We warn that if this project continues unchecked, it poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic future,” the statement added.