By John Dike, Osogbo
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unfreeze the bank account of Osun State Government immediately.
He said the timing of the action, coming barely days before the August 15 governorship election, could undermine public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.
President Tinubu in a statement issued on Thursday, said he became aware that the EFCC had secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the account of the Osun State Government.
Stressing that he respects the statutory independence of the anti-graft agency, he admitted that he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the action because Nigerians often attribute every action of federal institutions to the Presidency.
He said although he had no prior knowledge of the EFCC’s move, he considered it necessary to intervene in the overriding public interest to ensure that no action by any federal institution creates the impression that the Federal Government is interfering in the forthcoming Osun governorship election.
Tinubu reiterated that since assuming office, he had consistently maintained a policy of non-interference in the operational activities of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, insisting that institutions of government must be allowed to perform their constitutional and statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, and without fear or favour.
He explained that his administration believes that strong democratic institutions operating within the confines of the law are fundamental to democratic governance and the rule of law, adding that he has deliberately refrained from directing or influencing the operations of the EFCC and other investigative agencies.
The President noted that although he was yet to receive a comprehensive briefing on the facts that prompted the EFCC to obtain the court order, the proximity of the action to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State 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.”
Tinubu said preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral process remains paramount, stressing that every institution of government must be mindful of the broader implications of its actions, particularly during sensitive political periods.
Consequently, the President announced that he had directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all actions instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.
“Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility and fairness of our democratic process,” the President stated.
“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 development marks a significant twist in the controversy surrounding the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts, a move that had generated intense political reactions across the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier condemned the action, describing it as unconstitutional and politically motivated, while filing a suit challenging the legality of the EFCC’s decision.
Several civil society organisations and political stakeholders also called for the immediate lifting of the restriction, arguing that it could disrupt governance and create an atmosphere of political tension ahead of the election.
President Tinubu’s intervention is expected to calm political tempers and reinforce assurances that federal institutions will remain neutral throughout the electoral process
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The August 15 governorship election in Osun State is one of the most closely watched political contests in the country, with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and civil society groups repeatedly pledging to ensure a peaceful, credible and transparent poll.
