By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of moving too slowly in prosecuting politically exposed persons facing corruption allegations while some of them seek fresh elective offices ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed on May 10 by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the rights group said anti-corruption agencies had failed to “name and shame” high-profile individuals facing unresolved corruption allegations, warning that delays in prosecution risk undermining Nigeria’s anti-graft efforts.

HURIWA specifically cited former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, among politically exposed persons it said had sought political offices despite corruption allegations or ongoing legal cases.

“The EFCC could do so much to stop these persons from vying for public offices by naming and shaming them through direct correspondence to political parties,” HURIWA said, alleging that the agency had failed to take “preventive, proactive steps to sensitise Nigerians through the media about individuals who are facing charges of corruption.”

The group further accused the anti-graft agency of applying double standards, arguing that while young suspects accused of internet fraud are frequently publicised, politically exposed persons accused of larger-scale financial crimes receive less public scrutiny.

“It is disappointing that the EFCC deliberately appears helpless, but this same EFCC will be on media spaces with photos of youngsters who are facing less criminal charges of advance fee fraud compared to massive theft cases presented against politically exposed persons,” the statement added.

Reacting to the EFCC’s position that it lacks constitutional powers to stop individuals under investigation from contesting elections, HURIWA acknowledged the legal limitations but said the argument failed to address what it described as a broader institutional weakness.

“The core issue is not eligibility for elections in isolation, but the persistent failure to ensure timely, diligent, and publicly accountable prosecution of corruption allegations involving politically exposed persons,” the group stated.

According to HURIWA, prolonged investigations and delayed prosecutions create opportunities for accused persons to remain politically active, seek office, and in some cases oversee institutions investigating them.

“This creates an inherent conflict of interest that threatens the independence and credibility of agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau,” it said.

The organisation also referenced Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming past investigations involving the former Akwa Ibom governor did not proceed to court despite public attention.

“HURIWA is especially concerned that prolonged investigative delays have, in several past instances, enabled politically exposed persons to re-enter public office and acquire strategic influence before judicial determinations are reached,” the statement said.

The rights group called on the EFCC to improve transparency by publicly disclosing the status of high-profile corruption cases, including procedural timelines and prosecutorial actions already taken.

“HURIWA reiterates that Nigeria’s fight against corruption cannot succeed if enforcement mechanisms are perceived as slow, selective, or politically influenced,” the group said, adding that “public office must not become a refuge for individuals with unresolved allegations of financial misconduct.”

The organisation also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, the judiciary and civil society organisations to remain vigilant in protecting electoral integrity as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.