Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Accounts Ahead of Governorship Election

 

By Ajimati Samuel 

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, citing concerns over the timing of the action as the state prepares for its August 15 governorship election.

In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was deeply embarrassed by the development, stressing that although he respects the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the timing of the EFCC's move could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the forthcoming election.

Tinubu clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the EFCC's decision to obtain the court order on August 5, 2026, and reiterated his administration's commitment to allowing law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to carry out their constitutional duties without political interference.

According to the President, institutions established by law must be allowed to function independently, noting that he has consistently refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies since assuming office.

However, he said the proximity of the governorship election made the commission's action "inauspicious," warning that nothing should be done to undermine public confidence in the credibility, fairness, and integrity of Nigeria's democratic process.

"Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the Federal Government is being used to interfere with the election," the statement read.

Although Tinubu noted that he was yet to be fully briefed on the facts that prompted the EFCC to seek the freezing order, he maintained that the overriding public interest required immediate intervention.

The President consequently directed the EFCC to return to court without delay to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all actions instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.

The directive comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State following the EFCC's freezing of the state's accounts, a move that had sparked strong reactions from the state government and opposition parties ahead of the governorship poll scheduled for August 15, 2026.