EFCC Says It Cannot Stop Corruption-Accused Politicians From Contesting Elections – HURIWA

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission informed the group that it lacks constitutional powers to prevent politicians facing corruption allegations from contesting elections.

HURIWA made this known in a statement issued on May 7, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko.

According to the association, the clarification came after HURIWA issued a seven-working-day ultimatum to the EFCC demanding explanations over the continued political participation of individuals facing corruption investigations and prosecutions, including former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

HURIWA said it had raised concerns over what it described as the apparent slowdown or loss of momentum in several high-profile corruption cases involving politically exposed persons who later realign with influential political interests or seek fresh elective offices.

The group quoted a senior EFCC official, who reportedly spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly, as saying that the anti-graft agency cannot legally bar persons under investigation or trial from contesting for offices such as governorships, senatorial seats, or the presidency.

According to the official, the Nigerian Constitution presumes every accused person innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

The official reportedly stated that the Commission “would not embark on a meaningless pursuit of an objective that is unattainable ab initio,” stressing that the EFCC cannot operate outside constitutional limits or assume powers not granted by law.

The EFCC official reportedly advised civil society groups and voters to use democratic means to reject politicians with corruption allegations rather than expecting the anti-graft agency to unlawfully stop them from participating in elections.

HURIWA, however, argued that the situation exposes major weaknesses within Nigeria’s anti-corruption and electoral systems, allowing politically exposed persons facing corruption allegations to continually seek public office while their cases remain unresolved for years.

The association clarified that it was not asking the EFCC to violate constitutional rights or deny citizens fair hearing, but rather to ensure transparency and public accountability regarding corruption investigations involving public office seekers.

The group maintained that Nigerians deserve access to verified information concerning politicians standing trial or under investigation so voters can make informed electoral decisions.

HURIWA also called for reforms aimed at strengthening anti-corruption institutions and restoring public confidence in the justice system.

Among the reforms proposed by the association are speedy prosecution of corruption cases involving politically exposed persons, stricter judicial measures against unnecessary delays in trials, and the establishment of special anti-corruption courts with protected timelines for concluding cases.

The group further advocated the creation of a publicly accessible national register containing the names of politically exposed persons under investigation or prosecution for corruption and financial crimes.

It also urged political parties to adopt ethical screening mechanisms to prevent aspirants facing unresolved corruption allegations from emerging as candidates for public office.

HURIWA called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to consider constitutional and electoral reforms capable of strengthening integrity standards in leadership recruitment while respecting the principles of fair hearing and presumption of innocence.

“The credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption war will not be measured by media headlines, dramatic arrests, or political rhetoric, but by the ability of institutions to ensure transparent investigations, speedy prosecutions, and equal accountability before the law,” the association stated.