By Fatima Saka
Ahead of 2027 general election, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reconsider its reported decision to reopen the investigation into former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, warning that the move could heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation said the timing of the reported investigation could raise questions about the impartiality of the anti-graft agency and urged it to ensure that all politicians facing corruption allegations were treated equally, irrespective of their political affiliations.
MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, made the call in a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, following reports that the EFCC had reopened its investigation into Atiku over alleged financial crimes.
The investigation reportedly followed a petition by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking Atiku’s prosecution over allegations linked to a 2006 corruption report.
Akintola questioned why the matter was being revisited at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 elections were gathering momentum, noting that the case had reportedly remained with the commission for years.
He said the EFCC should exercise caution to avoid creating the impression that its investigative powers were being deployed selectively against opposition figures.
According to him, several other Nigerians, including some serving lawmakers, have outstanding corruption allegations that also require attention.
“MURIC is not encouraging corrupt practices. Neither are we saying the law must not take its due course. What we are saying is that there should be a level playing field. All alleged fraud offenders should be given equal treatment,” Akintola said.
He added that the electioneering period should not become a time for selectively pursuing political opponents, stressing that the anti-graft agency must demonstrate fairness and impartiality in its handling of corruption allegations.
The MURIC director also warned that the arrest or prosecution of prominent opposition candidates close to an election could generate public sympathy for them and influence voter mobilisation.
He cited the political experiences of former Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other political figures who rose to prominence after periods of imprisonment, arguing that detaining opposition candidates could produce unintended political consequences.
Akintola, however, maintained that his organisation was not opposed to the enforcement of anti-corruption laws but wanted the EFCC to apply the law consistently to all alleged offenders.
He further said the commission should avoid actions that could aggravate political tensions in a country already grappling with security challenges, including insurgency.
The MURIC director also invoked the principle of justice in Islam, saying the organisation had a responsibility to defend the fundamental rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious or political affiliations.
He stressed that the organisation’s position was not an endorsement of Atiku or any political party but a call for equal treatment under the law.
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“The best advice we can give EFCC is to rethink the reopening of Atiku’s file. Nigerians are not fools. Nobody will believe that opening Atiku’s file at this time is procedural,” he said.
Akintola urged the EFCC to reconsider the timing of the reported investigation, concluding that the country needed political stability and public confidence in its institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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