The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against corruption, making it clear that defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not offer political office holders any protection from ongoing or future corruption investigations.
This was made known in a strongly worded statement issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
Fagbemi’s remarks came in response to recent allegations made by Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Ibe had suggested in a televised interview that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Solicitor General of the Federation met with a former and a serving governor from the South-South region, just 48 hours before their defection to the APC — implying a quid pro quo arrangement to shield them from prosecution.
Describing the allegations as baseless and “from the pit of hell,” the AGF emphasized that the Tinubu administration remains committed to the rule of law and would not allow political affiliations to interfere with the anti-corruption drive.
“We wish to state categorically that the allegation is from the pit of hell, and at best, a figment of the imagination of Mr. Ibe,” Fagbemi stated. “We know as a fact that the EFCC chairman and the Solicitor General of the Federation never met any serving or former governor as alleged.”
While Mr. Ibe did not mention any names during his interview, the AGF acknowledged that the public could infer the individuals he was referring to, especially in light of recent high-profile defections to the ruling party. However, he warned against politicizing the anti-corruption fight or seeking to undermine public confidence in the institutions leading it.
“This administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold the rule of law and will not falter in the fight against corruption, no matter whose ox is gored,” Fagbemi declared.
The AGF urged the public to dismiss what he described as “a feeble attempt to discredit the government’s anti-corruption agenda,” adding that no amount of misinformation would derail the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The statement is seen as a direct response to rising concerns over the political implications of recent defections by top politicians, including state governors, and whether such moves could influence ongoing corruption investigations.
As the 2027 elections approach and political realignments intensify, the Federal Government appears keen on reassuring Nigerians that justice will not be compromised on the altar of politics.
