By Parrot Newspaper EFCC Declares Sanwo-Olu’s Ally Aisha Achimugu Wanted: Political Intrigue Unfolds
EFCC’s Declaration: A Major Political Shockwave
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a known ally of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The announcement, made by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Friday, has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape.
Achimugu’s alleged financial dealings have sparked controversy, with reports suggesting she funneled funds to opposition figures, including Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 elections. This revelation has ignited a fresh political storm, raising questions about party loyalty, internal betrayals, and the strategic maneuvering ahead of 2027.
Tinubu’s Reported Fury: Political Betrayal or Power Struggle?
According to reports from Peoples Gazette, President Bola Tinubu was reportedly “furious and felt betrayed” upon receiving intelligence that funds linked to Achimugu had ties to Governor Sanwo-Olu. This revelation has intensified speculation about political realignments within the ruling party and the potential fallout for Sanwo-Olu’s future.
While the EFCC’s move may appear strictly legal, its timing and implications suggest deeper political undertones. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has already been battling internal fractures, and this latest development could further widen existing cracks.
Atiku’s Camp Fires Back: “A Blatant Lie from the Pit of Hell”
In a swift reaction, Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the allegations as a “futile campaign of calumny” designed to serve Tinubu’s political interests. According to Atiku’s camp, these claims are part of an orchestrated attempt to discredit the opposition and shift attention from pressing governance issues.
This raises a crucial question: Is Achimugu’s EFCC declaration a legal step toward curbing financial crimes, or is it another instance of using law enforcement agencies to settle political scores?
EFCC’s Public Notice and Nationwide Hunt
Despite the denials and counterclaims, the EFCC has pressed ahead with its hunt for Achimugu, urging the public to provide information on her whereabouts.
According to the commission:
“The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering.”
The EFCC has provided multiple contact points, including its offices across major Nigerian cities, a dedicated phone line, and an email address, for anyone with useful information.
Political Implications: What’s Next for Sanwo-Olu and the APC?
The allegations against Achimugu and the purported involvement of Sanwo-Olu could reshape political alliances ahead of 2027. If Tinubu indeed perceives this as an act of betrayal, Sanwo-Olu’s standing within the APC could be jeopardized. The Lagos governor, who has been a strong Tinubu loyalist, may now find himself walking a tightrope in a bid to maintain his political survival.
With Atiku’s camp dismissing the claims and Tinubu allegedly enraged, the unfolding events could lead to a wider shake-up within Nigeria’s power structure.
Final Thoughts: Law vs. Politics
While the EFCC’s pursuit of Achimugu aligns with its mandate to combat financial crimes, the surrounding political drama cannot be ignored. As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether this case is a genuine anti-corruption effort or yet another political chess move in Nigeria’s high-stakes power game.
For now, one thing remains certain: the search for Achimugu is not just about financial transactions—it is about the battle for political supremacy in the corridors of power.