Exclusive: PDP Accuses EFCC of Witness Intimidation; Mayaki Calls it "Cheap Blackmail"
BENIN CITY, Edo State – A fiery statement released today by Mr. John Mayaki, Country Director of the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, accuses the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of orchestrating a smear campaign against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mayaki claims a recent video released by the PDP alleging EFCC attempts to arrest witnesses in the ongoing election petition tribunal is a “cheap blackmail” designed to manipulate public opinion.
The video, widely circulated on social media, purports to show EFCC agents attempting to apprehend individuals scheduled to testify. However, Mayaki dismisses the footage as a “poorly staged” attempt at propaganda, stating that the respected anti-graft agency has no need for such tactics. He asserts that the EFCC, if it had genuine grounds for arrest, would act within its legal authority without resorting to theatrics.
Mayaki's statement goes further, alleging that the PDP deployed "thugs disguised as APC members" to the tribunal premises to create chaos and discredit petitioners. He warns that this is merely the opening salvo in a calculated plot by the PDP to undermine the judicial process.
“The goal is clear,” Mayaki emphasized. “To manufacture a narrative of victimization and distract from the tribunal’s proceedings. This is not new – similar propaganda tactics have been deployed in the past by these desperate political actors.”
He urged Nigerians to critically examine the evidence presented in the video, cautioning against jumping to conclusions. Mayaki firmly believes the PDP’s actions represent a broader strategy to discredit institutions and sway public opinion ahead of potential further legal challenges.
“The PDP’s voyage into this sea of shenanigans leads nowhere,” Mayaki declared. “Their outdated tactics will not derail justice or deceive the discerning public. The PDP has no mandate anywhere but simply to heat up the polity.” He suggested that the judiciary may be the PDP's next target in this alleged campaign of misinformation.