Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accused the Bola Tinubu administration of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pressure governors into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that Nigeria’s multiparty democracy is being threatened.

Makinde made the allegation during an exclusive interview with ARISE News Anchor Ojy Okpe, as he criticised what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the presidential election.

Rather than seek to win over Nigerians who did not support the APC in the last presidential election, Makinde alleged that the ruling party had concentrated on attracting governors through coercion.

“What we’ve seen is, well, okay, I have the governors, they come to APC. If you don’t, you will be blackmailed,” Makinde said.

He illustrated his allegation by describing a scenario in which a contractor working for an opposition-controlled state could be subjected to scrutiny over contracts and financial transactions.

“The EFCC will come down from that place. ‘Look, how much did they award this to you? Go and bring your account. Who have you been paying?’ That is the situation that we are facing today,” he said.

Makinde did not provide evidence during the interview establishing that the EFCC had been directed by Tinubu or the APC to carry out such investigations.

The governor linked his allegation to what he described as a wider pattern of pressure on opposition parties and politicians, questioning why several opposition platforms were experiencing internal crises as the election approached.

He warned against Nigeria drifting towards a one-party political system, arguing that electoral contests should be decided by voters rather than through the courts, intimidation or pressure on political opponents.

Makinde nevertheless said he would accept defeat if Nigerians rejected his presidential bid in a properly conducted election.

“If the process is free, fair and credible, yes, I will,” he said when Okpe asked directly whether he would concede if he lost.

The governor, however, immediately expressed confidence that he would prevail at the polls.

Asked earlier about the possibility of losing, Makinde said: “I won’t.”

Makinde has repeatedly framed the coming election as a contest between the APC and Nigerians dissatisfied with the direction of the country, arguing that opposition parties must be allowed to compete freely for power.

The EFCC has previously rejected claims that its investigations are politically motivated, maintaining that its mandate applies to public officials irrespective of political affiliation.

Makinde said the credibility of the election and the conduct of state institutions would ultimately be critical to whether its outcome commanded acceptance. (Arise News)