Anti-Corruption Efforts Not A Threat To Democracy, Says Otunba Segun Showunmi

ABEOKUTA – Otunba Segun Showunmi, a prominent Nigerian politician and convener, The Alternative Movement has defended the country’s anti-corruption agencies, saying their efforts are not a threat to democracy.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday, Showunmi emphasized that opposition status is not a licence to steal or a shield against accountability, stressing that no one is above the law.

Recall that opposition leaders led by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Senator David Mark had accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of weaponizing the anti-graft agency, EFCC to intimidate opposition parties in the country.

They said there was a discerning pattern of persecution of the opposition by the EFCC with the sole objective of weakening the same for the benefit of the ruling APC.

According to the opposition leaders, the pattern mirrors a longstanding sentiment openly expressed years ago by a former National Chairman of the ruling APC, Adams Oshiomole, who declared when receiving defectors from PDP: “once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven”.

They argued that the statement symbolized a troubling reality, with allegations against members of the ruling party routinely perceived to be overlooked, stressing that unsubstantiated accusations against the opposition figures are vigorously pursued and subjected to media trial.

But Segun Showunmi noted that investigations and prosecutions carried out by agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are lawful and do not violate fundamental rights.

Showunmi urged citizens to respect due process and allow the law to take its course, saying those with clean hands have nothing to fear.

The statement comes amid controversy surrounding investigations into alleged corruption by public officials, with some politicians claiming victimization.

“Nigeria’s democracy is not under threat because public officials are being investigated. It is under threat when political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law.

“Let it be stated plainly: opposition is not a license to steal, and it is not a shield against accountability.

“The Nigerian Constitution is clear. It mandates the State to abolish corruption and abuse of power. It does not create exemptions for opposition leaders, former office holders, or political coalitions. The only immunity recognised by law is limited, specific, and temporary and it ends when a public officer leaves office.

“Investigation Is Not Persecution. The EFCC and other anti-graft agencies are legally bound to investigate allegations of economic and financial crimes. Investigation, arrest, and prosecution when carried out within the law do not violate fundamental rights. This is settled by the Supreme Court, not by political press conferences.

“Calling investigation “victimisation” does not make it so. It only signals an attempt to pre-empt justice with propaganda.”

Showunmi maintained that, his position highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in governance.