By Hosanna Eseose
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the 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 disclosed that the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts. While affirming the commission’s constitutional mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, Tinubu expressed concern that the action could create the impression of federal interference in the electoral process.
The President said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the EFCC’s action, stressing that although he had no prior knowledge of the decision, actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the Presidency.
Tinubu reiterated his longstanding policy of allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, professionally, and without political interference.
“Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,” the President stated.
He explained that he deliberately refrains from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies because he believes strong democratic institutions are essential to good governance and the rule of law.
However, Tinubu noted that while he was yet to be fully briefed on the circumstances that informed the EFCC’s decision to seek the court order, the proximity of the Osun governorship election made the timing inappropriate.
According to him, “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 President said preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process required immediate intervention.
Consequently, he directed the EFCC to promptly approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
Tinubu emphasized that his directive was issued in the overriding public interest to safeguard the integrity, credibility, and fairness of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.