President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the timing of the action could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming governorship election.
In a statement issued from the State House on Thursday, the President disclosed that the EFCC had obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts.
Tinubu said that although he supports the independence of anti-corruption agencies and had no prior knowledge of the EFCC’s action, he was concerned that the move, coming just days before the Osun governorship election, could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the electoral process.
The President reiterated his long-standing position that law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies should be allowed to carry out their statutory responsibilities professionally and without political interference. He noted that he had deliberately avoided interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies since assuming office.
However, Tinubu said the circumstances surrounding the timing of the court order compelled him to intervene in the overriding public interest.
According to him, no action should be taken that could cast doubt on the integrity, credibility and fairness of the democratic process, especially as Osun State prepares to elect a new governor.
He therefore directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts and discontinue all related actions instituted against the state in the matter.
The President added that his directive was aimed at preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the upcoming election is conducted without any perception of undue federal interference.
