Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Accounts, Says Timing Threatens Election Credibility

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate an order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, warning that the timing of the action, just days before the state’s governorship election, could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

In a personally signed statement, the President disclosed that he had only become aware of the court order obtained by the EFCC on August 5 and expressed concern that, although the anti-graft agency was acting within its statutory powers, the move risked creating the perception that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the outcome of the forthcoming election.

“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,” Tinubu said, noting that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed directly to the Presidency, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them.

The President reiterated his longstanding policy of allowing anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement institutions to operate independently without political interference, saying he had deliberately refrained from directing or influencing the operational decisions of the EFCC since assuming office.

He stressed that independent institutions are essential to democratic governance and the rule of law but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the freezing of Osun State’s accounts required presidential intervention because of the proximity of the 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,” the President stated.

Although Tinubu said he had yet to receive a full briefing on the allegations that prompted the EFCC to seek the court order, he insisted that preserving the integrity and credibility of the electoral process must take precedence.

He consequently directed the anti-graft agency to immediately apply to the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all proceedings against the Osun State Government relating to the matter.

The directive comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the Osun governorship election, with attention now expected to shift to the EFCC’s response to the President’s order and the court process required to reverse the account freeze.