- Anti-graft agency dismisses Atiku aide’s claim as “fabricated and outrageous”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly denied allegations that its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, held a secret meeting with a former and a serving governor from Nigeria’s South-South region just days before their reported defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The denial comes in response to comments made by Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.
Ibe had alleged that Olukoyede, alongside the Solicitor General of the Federation, met with two governors—one former, one serving—at a government lodge in the South-South region, just 48 hours before their purported defection to the APC. Though he did not name the individuals, speculation has centred on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, both of whom were reported to have recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC described Ibe’s claims as “unfounded” and “patently fabricated”, stating that the Commission was “outraged” by the suggestion.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is outraged by the unfounded claims of Mr. Paul Ibe, alleging that Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman, held a secret meeting with an unnamed politician,” the statement read.
The agency noted that Olukoyede has consistently maintained a non-partisan stance since assuming office, reiterating that the EFCC is “totally wired against partisan tendencies”.
Describing Ibe’s assertions as a mix of “theories, conjectures and assumptions,” the Commission urged the public to dismiss the allegation, stating it exists solely “in Ibe’s imagination”.
Neither Governor Oborevwori nor former Governor Okowa has issued a formal statement on the alleged defection or the claims of a secret meeting. The PDP has also remained silent on the matter.
The controversy adds a new layer of intrigue to Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 general elections begin to loom on the horizon.
