Tinubu Orders EFCC To Lift Freeze On Osun Government Accounts Ahead Of Governorship Election

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the timing of the action could undermine public confidence in the credibility and fairness of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The directive was contained in a statement personally signed by the President on Thursday from the State House, Abuja.

President Tinubu disclosed that he became aware that the EFCC had secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. While stressing that he does not fault the anti-graft agency for carrying out its statutory responsibilities, he expressed deep concern over the timing of the action, describing it as unfortunate.

According to the President, although the EFCC acted within its legal mandate by obtaining a court order, every action taken by federal institutions is often attributed to the Presidency, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of such actions.

“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.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, noting that since assuming office, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies.

He explained that his government remains committed to allowing institutions established by law to function independently, professionally and without fear, favour or political interference.

Tinubu stated that strong democratic institutions operating within the framework of the law are essential for good governance and the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy.

Despite acknowledging that he had not yet been fully briefed on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to seek the court order, the President maintained that the timing of the action was inappropriate, particularly as Osun State is only days away from its governorship election.

He warned that no action should create the impression that any federal agency is being used to influence or interfere in the electoral process.

“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 declared.

Tinubu said preserving public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process was of overriding national importance and justified his intervention in the matter.

Consequently, he directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all legal actions instituted against the Osun State Government in connection with the matter.

The President stressed that his intervention was guided solely by the need to protect the integrity, credibility and fairness of the democratic process, while reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law and the independence of state institutions.

The directive comes just days before Osun residents head to the polls to elect a new governor, a development expected to ease political tensions surrounding the state’s finances and the conduct of the election.