The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that defectors to the party are immune from corruption investigations.
National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, made the remarks on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Yola, Adamawa State, emphasizing that any party member found guilty of corruption would face full investigation and prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Anyone who stole public funds will be prosecuted, even if they join APC. A lot of our chieftains have already entered plea bargains and returned stolen funds,” Salihu said. He encouraged Nigerians with credible evidence of wrongdoing by APC officials to submit formal petitions, assuring that verified allegations would be investigated and prosecuted.
The comments respond to statements by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who suggested that APC has become a refuge for politicians seeking to avoid EFCC scrutiny and questioned the party’s approach to the 2027 general elections.
Salihu insisted that defections to the APC are motivated by political conviction and patriotism, not fear of prosecution. He noted that the EFCC operates independently and will pursue all credible allegations of corruption regardless of party affiliation.
Highlighting the party’s origins, Salihu said APC was formed as a coalition to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan, and stressed that its policy-driven members remain committed to nation-building.
Lawal’s claim that APC is attracting EFCC fugitives has not been independently verified. Salihu confirmed that some APC officials are cooperating with ongoing investigations and have repaid misappropriated funds. No further comment was available from the EFCC at the time of reporting.