ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to 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 issued from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, Tinubu said he became aware that the EFCC had secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts. While acknowledging the anti-graft agency’s statutory powers, the President said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the move, noting that actions of federal institutions are often perceived as reflecting presidential approval.
Tinubu reiterated his longstanding position that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies should be allowed to carry out their constitutional mandates independently, professionally, and without political interference.
He said he had deliberately avoided interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies since assuming office because he believes strong democratic institutions operating within the rule of law are essential to good governance.
The President, however, said that although he had not been fully briefed on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to obtain the court order, the timing of the action was inappropriate, given the proximity of the Osun 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 statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
According to the President, preserving public confidence in the integrity, credibility, and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process outweighs other considerations in the present circumstances.
Consequently, Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.
The President said the directive was issued in the overriding public interest and to safeguard public trust in the electoral process.
