President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately approach the court to vacate an order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action just days before the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, the President disclosed that the EFCC had secured the court order on August 5, 2026. While acknowledging the anti-graft agency’s constitutional mandate to investigate financial crimes, Tinubu said the timing of the move was unfortunate and risked creating the impression of political interference in the electoral process.
According to the President, although he was not consulted before the EFCC obtained the court order, actions taken by federal institutions are often perceived by the public as decisions made with his approval.
“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 stated.
The President reiterated his long-standing commitment to allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference from the Presidency. He stressed that independent institutions remain vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and upholding the rule of law.
Tinubu explained that throughout his administration, he has deliberately refrained from influencing the operational decisions of the EFCC, maintaining that democratic institutions must function professionally, independently, and within the limits of the law without requiring presidential approval.
However, he said the proximity of the Osun governorship election made the situation exceptional.
“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.
Expressing concern about maintaining public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process, Tinubu emphasized that preserving the credibility, integrity, and fairness of the forthcoming governorship election must remain a national priority.
Consequently, he directed the EFCC to immediately return to court and seek the withdrawal of the order freezing the state’s accounts.
“I hereby direct 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 President ordered.
The directive comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State as political parties intensify preparations for the gubernatorial election. The earlier freezing of the state’s accounts had generated widespread debate, with concerns raised over its potential impact on governance and election-related activities.
Tinubu concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles and the independence of public institutions, ending with the declaration: “Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The President’s intervention is expected to ease tensions surrounding the controversy while reinforcing his administration’s position that federal institutions must avoid actions capable of creating doubts about the transparency and neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Shola Akinyele 
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