President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, stressing that no action should create the impression of federal interference in the forthcoming Osun governorship election.
The President gave the directive in a personally signed State House statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Abuja, expressing concern over the timing of the anti-graft agency’s action despite reaffirming his commitment to the independence of law enforcement institutions.
President Tinubu disclosed that although the EFCC secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts in the exercise of its statutory mandate, he was neither informed of the action beforehand nor involved in the decision.
He explained that while he respects the operational independence of the EFCC and other investigative agencies, every action taken by federal institutions is ultimately attributed to the Presidency, making it imperative for him to intervene where necessary to protect public confidence in the nation’s democratic process.
“I must state that 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,” the President stated.
According to him, since assuming office, he has consistently resisted interfering in the activities of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, believing that democratic governance thrives when institutions perform their constitutional responsibilities independently, professionally and without political influence.
The President noted that his administration has deliberately allowed agencies of government to function within the limits of their statutory powers without requiring prior presidential approval, describing such institutional independence as a fundamental pillar of the rule of law and democratic governance.
However, Tinubu maintained that the circumstances surrounding the EFCC’s action demanded urgent intervention because Osun State is only days away from its governorship election.
He warned that any development capable of creating the perception that a federal agency is being deployed to influence the electoral process could undermine public trust in the credibility and fairness of the election.
While acknowledging that he was yet to receive a comprehensive briefing on the facts that informed the EFCC’s application for the court order, the President insisted that the timing of the move was “inauspicious” and contrary to the overriding public interest.
He emphasized that preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and sustaining public confidence in free, fair and credible elections must remain paramount.
Consequently, President Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all legal actions instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no action by any federal agency casts doubt on the transparency, neutrality and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
