President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns that the timing of the action could undermine public confidence in the state’s forthcoming governorship election.
The President announced the directive in a statement issued on Thursday, days before the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. Tinubu said that while he respects the operational independence of anti-corruption agencies, the decision to freeze the state’s accounts at such a sensitive period was capable of creating the perception of political interference in the electoral process.
According to the statement, the President instructed the EFCC to return to court without delay to seek the vacation of the order freezing the accounts. He stressed that preserving the credibility of the electoral process and maintaining public trust in democratic institutions must remain a priority.
Tinubu also clarified that although the EFCC acted pursuant to a court order, he was not aware of the agency’s action beforehand. He said he remained committed to allowing anti-corruption institutions to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, but noted that the timing of the move was “embarrassing” and inappropriate given the proximity of the governorship poll.
The development followed widespread criticism after the EFCC secured a court order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts over allegations of suspicious financial transactions. The action drew objections from the state government, opposition figures, legal practitioners and civil society groups, many of whom argued that it could disrupt governance and cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration had earlier condemned the account freeze and threatened legal action against the anti-graft agency, describing the measure as unjustified and politically timed.
The EFCC had yet to issue a formal response to the President’s directive at the time of filing this report. However, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the fight against corruption while emphasizing that enforcement actions must be carried out in a manner that safeguards democratic processes and public confidence in state institutions.
