President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go back to court and vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
The President said the timing of the action, just days to the governorship election, could create the impression that federal institutions are being used to influence the poll.
Tinubu spoke in a statement on Thursday after reports that the EFCC secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts.
He said while the EFCC acted within its powers, he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing. He added that every action by a federal institution is linked to the Presidency in public perception.
“Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anticorruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,” the President said.
Why Presidency Intervened Days To Election
Tinubu said he had not interfered in EFCC operations since taking office because he believes strong institutions are vital for democracy.
However, he said the Osun case required intervention because the state is days away from its governorship election.
“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,” he stated.
He therefore directed the EFCC to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all related proceedings.
Before the President’s directive, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had faulted the EFCC action.
The EFCC had directed First Bank Plc to place a Post No Debit restriction on Osun’s statutory allocation account over alleged diversion of ₦11 billion ecological funds, according to a letter dated August 5 and signed by Assistant Commander Adenike Babalola.
Makinde said, “No government is above scrutiny, but when institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are utilised to witchunt specific states or public office holders, it indicates that their investigations are selective and erodes public trust.”
He added, “The ‘freezing’ of an official state government account without due legal process goes beyond the powers vested in the EFCC by the laws of our land.”
Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Power To Direct Agencies
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, reacted to Tinubu’s order. In a statement by his aide Phrank Shaibu, he said the President’s action has destroyed the claim that anti-corruption agencies work independently.
Atiku queried why the EFCC statement did not mention a court order, while the President’s statement was based on a court order.
“If indeed there was a court order, why did the EFCC omit such a fundamental fact from its official account? If there was none, then the President has introduced into the public discourse a legal process that exists nowhere in the EFCC’s own narrative,” he said.
He also asked why Tinubu cannot use same power to direct the ICPC to release former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is in detention.
Atiku said, “One cannot preach institutional independence while exercising direct operational control over the same institution.”
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The deed is done. This all looks like damage control. How could the EFCC not be aware the state is heading for local elections just 10 days away. Was it merely calculated to handicap the state and make it lose appeal with the voters?