Tensions escalated in Plateau State on Thursday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged verbal attacks following the arrest of 15 former state lawmakers, including ex-Speaker Moses Thomas Sule, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to reports by The PUNCH, the anti-corruption agency apprehended the former legislators—who currently serve as liaison officers to Governor Caleb Mutfwang—on June 17, 2025. The arrests were made in connection with allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
The EFCC alleged that the individuals violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and engaged in procurement irregularities. Those arrested 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.
In response, the PDP released a strongly worded statement accusing the APC of orchestrating the arrests for political advantage. Signed by PDP State Publicity Secretary Jonathan Amande, the statement described the arrests as a “political witch-hunt” aimed at weakening the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Peoples Democratic Party condemns the alarming trend of arrests targeting our members, including a former Speaker and 14 others,” the statement read. “This action, allegedly engineered by APC leaders in the state, is intended to intimidate PDP stakeholders and undermine the current administration’s progress.”
The PDP criticized what it described as the misuse of anti-corruption agencies, claiming that the EFCC was being deployed as a tool to suppress opposition voices. The party emphasized that its administration has prioritized governance over political vendettas, despite uncovering alleged misconduct during the previous APC-led administration in the state.
“This misuse of the EFCC for political persecution will only erode democratic values and damage public trust in regulatory institutions,” the PDP stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to transparency, justice, and the rule of law and urge Nigerians to remain vigilant against the weaponization of state institutions.”
In a swift rebuttal, Plateau State APC Chairman Rufus Bature dismissed the PDP’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated. He maintained that the APC had no involvement in the arrests and accused the PDP of attempting to politicize a legitimate anti-corruption process.
“The PDP’s claims are purely imaginary,” Bature said. “At no point has the APC discussed or initiated any action against the former lawmakers. The EFCC is carrying out its duties independently, and we have no influence over their investigations.”
Bature reiterated the party’s stance on respecting the independence of statutory bodies like the EFCC, urging the PDP to allow the law to take its course.
As the political fallout continues, the arrests have further heightened tensions in Plateau State, setting the stage for what could become an intense political battle leading up to the 2027 elections.
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