EFCC Refutes Claims of Alleged Meeting Between Chairman Olukoyede and South-South Governor Before Defection
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly denied allegations suggesting that its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, met with a former and a serving governor from the South-South region shortly before their reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These allegations emerged from Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, during an appearance on Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television. Ibe claimed that Olukoyede, alongside the Solicitor General of the Federation, allegedly held a private meeting with the governors at a government facility just 48 hours prior to their purported switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Reports have linked the alleged defection to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
In response, the EFCC issued a statement on Friday, describing the claims as “entirely baseless” and “a deliberate fabrication.” The commission expressed its dismay at what it labeled as “false and politically motivated” narratives, emphasizing that Chairman Olukoyede maintains a strictly apolitical stance.
“The EFCC is alarmed by the baseless assertions made by Mr. Paul Ibe, who peddled assumptions and unverified theories during his media appearance. The claim that Mr. Olukoyede met with political figures ahead of any defection is completely unfounded,” the agency said.
Reiterating the Chairman’s neutrality, the EFCC noted that Olukoyede has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to impartiality and the commission’s independence from political influence.
The public has been urged to dismiss the allegations, which the EFCC says exist solely in the realm of speculation and misinformation.
