Tinubu Orders EFCC to Vacate Order Freezing Osun Government Accounts Ahead of Election

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and seek the cancellation of an order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.

The directive followed the President's concerns over the timing of the court order, which was reportedly obtained by the EFCC on August 5, 2026, just days before the Osun State governorship election.

In a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, Tinubu said he became aware of the development and acknowledged the statutory powers of the EFCC to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. He stressed that he had consistently respected the independence of law enforcement agencies and refrained from interfering in their operations.

However, the President expressed concern that the timing of the action could create doubts about the credibility and fairness of the electoral process. He noted that decisions taken by federal institutions are often associated with the Presidency, even when they are made without his prior knowledge.

Tinubu emphasized that no action by a federal agency should create the impression that the government is attempting to influence the outcome of an election, particularly with Osun State only days away from going to the polls.

Although the President said he had not yet received a full briefing on why the EFCC sought the freezing order, he described the timing as “inauspicious” and said it warranted intervention in the overriding public interest.

He therefore instructed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to allowing anti-corruption agencies to carry out their duties independently and professionally, while stressing the importance of protecting the credibility, integrity and fairness of Nigeria's democratic process.

The development comes at a politically sensitive moment, with preparations for the Osun governorship election intensifying and voters expected to choose a new governor in the coming days.