In a move believed by insiders to be a scheme to weaken opposition politicians, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly opened probe on New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, campaign funds.
The anti-graft agency recently arrested a former governor of Delta State and vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 general election, Ifeanyi Okowa, over party’s campaign funds.
In the latest probe against the NNPP, sources alleged that the move was aimed at silencing the presidential candidate of NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of 2027 election.
“The EFCC has been directed to immediately open a case file against the national leader [of NNPP] to invite or lay siege to him to answer questions on the allegation of mismanagement of 2023 campaign fund instituted by some disgruntled elements in NNPP who were since expelled from the party,” said a source familiar with the development.
Although Justice Yusuf Ubale Mohammed of Kano State High Court in June granted an order, restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting and, or, harassing Mr Kwankwaso over allegations of the campaign funds mismanagement, the anti-graft agency may likely ignore the order due to alleged “pressure from the above”.
Sources said the latest move by the EFCC was triggered by Mr Kwankwaso’s recent allusive remarks against President Tinubu’s alleged plan to dominate the north.
At a recent convocation ceremony of Skyline University, Kano, Mr Kwankwaso said there were moves by Lagos to colonize the North. “Lagos would not allow Kano to appoint it own emir,” Mr Kwankwaso said.
Feelers also believe that the presidency was equally jittery with the political weight and influence the NNPP leader attracted during the recent wedding ceremony of his daughter in Kano.
Significant percentage of the opposition leaders who attended the wedding spent more than 48 hours in Kano, engaged in marathon meetings and social interactions with Mr Kwankwaso.
- By Mustapha Usman @Daily Nigerian
