ABUJA, Nigeria – August 6, 2026 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the action could cast doubt on the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.
The directive follows the EFCC's acquisition of a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state's accounts.
In a statement issued on Thursday from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu said that although he respects the independence of the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies, the timing of the action was "inauspicious" given that Osun State is only days away from its governorship election.
The President explained that while he was not opposed to the EFCC carrying out its statutory responsibilities, every action taken by federal institutions is often attributed to the Presidency, making it necessary for him to intervene in the interest of protecting public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process.
Tinubu reaffirmed that since assuming office, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, without political interference, insisting that strong democratic institutions are essential to good governance and the rule of law.
He, however, noted that he had not yet been fully briefed on the reasons behind the EFCC's decision to obtain the court order but maintained that the timing was inappropriate and capable of creating the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the Osun governorship poll.
To safeguard the integrity, credibility and fairness of the election, President Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all related proceedings against the Osun State Government.
The President reiterated his commitment to the rule of law, institutional independence and the protection of Nigeria's democratic values, emphasizing that no action should be allowed to undermine public trust in the electoral process.
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BREAKING: Tinubu Halts EFCC Action Against Osun, Orders Immediate Unfreezing of State Accounts Before Governorship Election
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