The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the recent arrest and public parading of its former lawmakers, including a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the move as politically motivated and an abuse of power.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Amande, the PDP alleged that the arrests were orchestrated by prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, using the EFCC as an instrument of political persecution.
“This is nothing short of a political witch-hunt aimed at suppressing opposition voices and destabilizing the PDP-led administration in Plateau State,” the statement read. “We condemn in the strongest terms the parading of our members like common criminals.”
The EFCC had on Tuesday arrested 14 former lawmakers, including former Speaker Moses Thomas Sule, over alleged money laundering and abuse of procurement processes during their brief tenure before being removed from office by a court ruling. The anti-graft agency stated that the lawmakers failed to return official vehicles worth N2.5 billion, prompting further procurement by the state government for the current legislators.
However, the PDP maintains that the timing and manner of the arrests raise serious questions about political bias. It claimed the action was part of a wider strategy to discredit the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Amande, the PDP administration in Plateau has chosen to prioritize governance and development despite inheriting challenges from the previous APC-led government, rather than engaging in political vendettas.
“The continued misuse of federal institutions like the EFCC for partisan interests not only violates the rights of citizens but also threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy,” the party said.
The PDP called on its members to remain calm and undeterred, urging supporters not to be distracted by what it described as “the APC’s antics.” It also reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
“The PDP remains resolute and will resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole,” the statement concluded.
