Tensions flared in Plateau State on Thursday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged heated accusations following the arrest of 15 former lawmakers by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Among those apprehended is former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Moses Thomas Sule. The ex-legislators, now serving as liaison officers to Governor Caleb Mutfwang across various constituencies, were arrested on June 17, 2025, over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
According to reports, the EFCC accused the former lawmakers of violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as engaging in procurement irregularities.
Other individuals detained include Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Philip Gwom, Timothy Dantong, Happiness Mathew Akawu, Cornelius Dotyok, Agbalak Ibrahim, Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Bala Ndat, Salome Tanimu Wanglet, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren, and Paul Datugun.
Reacting to the development, the PDP condemned the arrests in a strongly worded statement, accusing APC leaders in the state of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign to suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan Amande, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, who signed the statement, described the arrests as a “political witch-hunt” designed to weaken the PDP-led administration and discredit its members.
“The Peoples Democratic Party decries the recent arrests of our party members, including the former Speaker and 14 others, which we believe were instigated by certain APC figures in the state seeking political advantage,” the statement read.
“It is alarming that anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC are being deployed as instruments of political intimidation. We condemn the public humiliation of our members, which we view as a deliberate attempt to distract the current administration and sabotage its progress.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, justice, and the rule of law, warning against the politicization of state institutions.
“We urge Nigerians to resist the misuse of institutions meant to protect democracy. The EFCC should not be weaponized for political persecution,” the statement continued. “Our party remains focused on good governance and has not pursued a vendetta against the former APC administration, despite the extensive irregularities uncovered during their tenure.”
In response, Plateau State APC Chairman, Rufus Bature, dismissed the PDP’s allegations as baseless and unfounded.
“The PDP’s claims are nothing but fiction. At no time did our party discuss the matter involving the former lawmakers, let alone influencing the EFCC,” Bature stated. “The EFCC is simply carrying out its statutory responsibilities, and we have no involvement whatsoever.”
He emphasized that the APC had no knowledge of the arrests prior to the announcement and reaffirmed the party’s respect for due process and the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
As the controversy deepens, political observers warn that the situation may further escalate tensions in Plateau State’s already polarized political environment, with implications for the 2027 elections.
