President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate a court 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 on Thursday, Tinubu said he became aware that the EFCC had obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, to freeze the state’s accounts. While reaffirming his commitment to the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the President said the development risked creating the impression that the Federal Government was interfering in the electoral process.
Tinubu explained that although the EFCC acted within its statutory mandate by obtaining a court order, the timing of the action was “inauspicious” given that Osun State is only days away from its governorship election.
The President said he felt “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the agency’s action, noting that decisions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to him, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them.
He reiterated that since assuming office, he has deliberately avoided interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies, insisting that they must carry out their duties independently, professionally, and without political influence.
According to him, allowing institutions to function independently remains essential for strengthening democratic governance and upholding the rule of law.
However, Tinubu stressed that preserving public confidence in the credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process must remain paramount, particularly during election periods.
While noting that he had yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances that led the EFCC to seek the court order, the President said the proximity of the governorship election made it necessary for him to intervene.
“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,” he said.
Consequently, Tinubu directed the anti-graft agency to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts and discontinue any related legal action against the state.
The directive comes as political activities intensify ahead of the Osun governorship election, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.
