Youth coalition claims plot to derail anti-corruption efforts
The National Interest Coalition (NICO) is warning that a well-funded conspiracy is underway to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive and undermine the leadership of EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.
At a press conference and protest march in Abuja on Monday, NICO’s leader Comrade Bashir Abdu claimed that embattled Nigerians facing corruption trials are backing a ₦5 billion media smear campaign.
“We were offered ₦100 million to stay silent”
According to Abdu, the individuals involved in the alleged plot are using propaganda, sponsored media attacks, and even holding secret meetings abroad—all in a bid to weaken public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
“We were offered ₦100 million to join this plot,” Abdu said. “We refused.”
He also claimed that journalists are being paid from Dubai-based accounts to publish stories that damage the image of both the President and the EFCC.
NICO says corruption is ‘fighting back’
The coalition says the attack on the EFCC is a classic case of corruption fighting back, especially now that the agency is pursuing high-profile cases, recovering looted funds, and cracking down on cybercrime.
Abdu praised recent government reforms—like tighter control over public finances and greater independence for anti-graft agencies—but warned that “insider enemies” are trying to sabotage this progress.
“We stand with justice”
Flanked by hundreds of young protesters, NICO passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and the EFCC boss, urging them not to back down.
“This is bigger than the EFCC Chairman,” the group said. “This is about Nigeria’s future.”
They also issued a call to action to civil society groups, students, labour unions, and religious leaders to stand firm and reject any attempts to derail the anti-corruption movement.
