Former Ogun State governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prioritize prosecuting political leaders for abuse of office rather than focusing solely on fraud-related charges.

 

Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Showunmi argued that abuse of office is often easier to prove and would serve as a powerful deterrent to future public officials.

 

“Instead of the EFCC always going after them for fraud, I think it’s better they go after them for abuse of office. That’s easier to establish. If they’re packed like sardines into prison for ten years, I doubt the next set of leaders would come in with the same mindset. I don’t think they’re eager to go to jail,” he said.

 

The PDP chieftain lamented the growing culture of impunity among Nigerian leaders, stressing that the lack of accountability emboldens corruption and poor governance.

 

“The reason we need so many institutions—EFCC, ICPC, Police—is simply because our leaders lack the culture of doing what is right. The pervasiveness of wrongdoing is because there are no real consequences,” Showunmi stated.

 

He emphasized the need for strong punitive measures proportional to the power and privilege public officials enjoy, arguing that such consequences would force accountability.

 

“You take all this power, you lord it over the people, and we tell citizens to endure hardship so your policies can take root. Then you must also be ready to face proportionate punishment when you abuse that power,” he said.

 

Drawing comparisons with international standards, particularly in China, Showunmi noted that corrupt leaders in more serious jurisdictions face severe consequences.

 

“Can someone be a governor in China and get caught with the things our politicians are caught with here? Can a mayor in China buy a Rolls Royce using public funds and walk free? They’d probably cut off his head,” he added.

 

Showunmi concluded by calling on the EFCC to adopt a more strategic and impactful approach to fighting corruption by emphasizing accountability for abuse of office, which he believes would send a clear and immediate message to both current and aspiring leaders.