By Taiwo Scholarstica
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate steps to vacate a court order that froze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action as the state prepares for its governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday from the State House, the President said although he supports the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the development could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the electoral process.
Tinubu explained that while the EFCC acted within its legal powers by securing the court order on August 5, he was concerned that the move came just days before Osun residents head to the polls. According to him, actions taken by federal institutions are often viewed as reflecting the position of the Presidency, regardless of whether he was involved in the decision.
He reiterated that his administration has consistently allowed investigative and law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
He noted that preserving the independence of such institutions remains essential to strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law.
The President, however, stressed that the circumstances surrounding the latest development required intervention to protect public confidence in the electoral process.
“It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action,” he said.
Tinubu further noted he had not been fully briefed on the reasons behind the commission’s application for the court order but maintained that the timing was inappropriate, given the proximity of the election.
He added that no action should be taken that could cast doubt on the neutrality of federal institutions during a democratic exercise.
He therefore directed the anti-graft agency to reverse the action in the interest of fairness and the credibility of the electoral process.
“Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard,” the statement read.
The directive comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State, where parties are making final preparations for the governorship election scheduled to hold in the coming days.