The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly denied allegations that its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, met secretly with two governors shortly before their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The claim was made by Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, during a televised interview. Ibe alleged that both Olukoyede and the Solicitor General of the Federation held a covert meeting with an unnamed sitting governor and his predecessor both from a South-South state 48 hours before the pair switched allegiance to the APC.
Although Ibe did not mention specific names, the timing of the alleged meeting has fueled speculation, particularly after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC in April. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State has also recently expressed intentions to defect.
In a swift rebuttal on Friday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale described the claims as “unfounded,” “fabricated,” and “in bad taste,” urging the public to disregard them entirely.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is outraged by the unfounded claims of Paul Ibe,” the statement read. “His allegations… are patently fabricated and in bad taste.”
Oyewale emphasized that Olukoyede remains apolitical, reiterating the EFCC’s firm institutional stance against partisan interference or political influence.
“Olukoyede has stressed at several fora that he is apolitical, and the EFCC is totally wired against partisan tendencies,” Oyewale added.
He went further to dismiss the alleged meeting, stating it exists solely in the “imagination” of Ibe.
The controversy comes amid increased political realignments and tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures raising concerns about potential political coercion or horse-trading involving federal institutions.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has also dismissed Ibe’s claims, accusing the opposition of making inflammatory remarks without evidence.
As the political atmosphere continues to heat up, the EFCC maintains that its operations remain guided by legality, neutrality, and professionalism regardless of the political affiliations of persons under investigation.
