NACAT Condemns Clearance of Politicians Under Corruption Probe for 2027 Elections, Demands Integrity Reform
Yakubu Busari
The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has said that it is deeply shocked and profoundly outraged by the emerging pattern where high-profile politicians currently under serious investigation or prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are being shamelessly cleared by their political parties to contest the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Operations Manager he said: “The clearance of Yahaya Bello by the APC, Uche Nnaji by a PDP faction, and Abubakar Malami by the ADC represents a reckless descent into political moral bankruptcy and poses an existential threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the anti-corruption crusade.
According to NACAT he said this trend signals to every public office holder that accountability can be traded for political relevance.
“Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, remains enmeshed in two devastating multibillion-naira corruption and money laundering trials.
“He faces a 19-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged diversion of ₦80.2 billion from the Kogi State treasury for luxury properties in Nigeria and Dubai. A separate 16-count charge at the FCT High Court borders on criminal breach of trust and property fraud amounting to ₦110.4 billion. The EFCC has detailed how state funds were allegedly routed through bureau de change operators and shell companies, with direct withdrawals of hundreds of thousands of dollars used to pay his children’s school fees in advance.
Despite repeated evasion of arrest, dramatic standoffs with security agencies, and ongoing court processes, the APC has cleared him to contest and win the senatorial primary for Kogi Central. This is nothing short of institutional complicity in shielding an alleged looter.”
More so Mr. Stanley said “The case of Uche Nnaji exposes an even more disturbing assault on basic integrity and educational standards.
The former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology was forced to resign after a Premium Times investigation exposed his forgery of university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate. An investigative panel set up by the Minister of Education confirmed the forgery, while the ICPC has commenced prosecution-level investigations. Yet, the PDP faction loyal to Nyesom Wike has cleared him to contest the Enugu State governorship primary.
This clearance mocks the sanctity of public office and tells young Nigerians that deceit and forgery are acceptable pathways to leadership.”
“Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, presents a textbook case of alleged abuse of office at the highest level.
He, alongside his wife and son, faced multiple charges including diversion of over ₦8.7 billion in public funds, illegal acquisition of approximately 57 choice properties valued at ₦213 billion, money laundering, and illegal possession of firearms.
After weeks in custody, he only regained freedom in mid-March 2026. Barely two months later, on May 9, 2026, he procured nomination forms to contest the Kebbi State governorship under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The speed with which a man who allegedly weaponized the justice ministry for personal enrichment is being rehabilitated politically is both alarming and symptomatic of deeper rot,” NACAT said.
“These clearances set dangerous and far-reaching antecedents. First, they institutionalize the culture of impunity, suggesting that pending corruption cases can be politically suspended or ignored if the accused aligns with powerful godfathers or party blocs.
Second, they erode public confidence in the EFCC, ICPC, and the judiciary, as citizens witness accused persons transitioning from courtrooms to campaign arenas.
Third, they lower the bar for leadership so drastically that certificate forgers, alleged treasury looters, and those facing firearm charges now eye governorship and senatorial seats with confidence. Nigeria cannot build a prosperous nation on such rotten foundations.”
“The antecedents are even more troubling when viewed against Nigeria’s history of recycled leadership. Allowing these individuals to contest will further entrench a political class that views public resources as personal estates.
It will discourage honest citizens from aspiring to office, deepen voter apathy, and fuel cynicism that democracy is merely a vehicle for the protection of the corrupt.
The message being sent is clear: if you steal big enough and align politically, the system will eventually accommodate you.
NACAT warns that this trend risks turning the 2027 elections into a contest among alleged criminals rather than a choice among credible leaders. It will compromise legislative and executive oversight, as persons with pending cases will prioritize self-preservation over national interest.
The long-term danger includes accelerated capital flight, increased poverty, and heightened insecurity as public funds continue to be diverted with little fear of consequence.
‘We therefore make the following clear, unequivocal, and non-negotiable demands:
1. The APC must immediately withdraw the senatorial ticket granted to Yahaya Bello.
2. The PDP faction must reverse the clearance of Uche Nnaji and uphold basic ethical standards.
3. The ADC must reject Abubakar Malami’s nomination forms and distance itself from alleged looters.
4. The EFCC and ICPC must accelerate all ongoing investigations and prosecutions without political interference.
5. EFCC Clearance Certificate should be a compulsory requirement for politicians seeking electoral office in Nigeria.
6. INEC must invoke its powers under the Electoral Act to disqualify any candidate with pending criminal charges bordering on corruption, forgery, or financial crimes.
7. The Judiciary must prioritize these high-profile cases and resist all attempts at frivolous adjournments or political pressure.
8. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all party leaders must publicly commit to a no-tolerance policy against persons facing credible corruption allegations.
“NACAT will intensify its advocacy, mobilize civil society, engage the media, and explore legal avenues to challenge these dangerous clearances. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, youth groups, professional bodies, religious institutions, and the international community to rise against this normalization of corruption. The soul of our nation is at stake.
“Nigeria deserves leaders with clean records, proven integrity, and genuine commitment to service—not alleged forgers, treasury looters, and serial abusers of office seeking new platforms to continue their alleged misconduct.
