ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued from the State House on Thursday, the President said he was informed that the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, to freeze the state’s accounts. While affirming the commission’s statutory mandate to investigate corruption and enforce the law, Tinubu described the timing of the move as “inauspicious” and capable of creating the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the forthcoming election.
The President stressed that he remains committed to the independence of anti corruption and law enforcement agencies, noting that he has consistently refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies since assuming office.
According to him, democratic institutions must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without fear, favour or political interference, adding that every action of a federal institution is often attributed to the Presidency, whether or not he had prior knowledge of it.
Tinubu stated that although he had not been fully briefed on the facts that informed the EFCC’s decision to seek the court order, the proximity of the Osun governorship election made it necessary for him to intervene in the overriding public interest.
He emphasised that no action should be taken by any federal agency that could undermine public confidence in the credibility, integrity and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The President therefore directed the EFCC to immediately take steps to vacate the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts and discontinue the action instituted against the state in that regard.
The directive comes just days before voters in Osun State head to the polls to elect a new governor.
