President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate steps to withdraw the court order restricting access to Osun State Government accounts, citing concerns over the timing of the action ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The President’s directive followed reports that the anti-graft agency secured a court order on August 5, 2026, to freeze the accounts as part of an ongoing investigation into the state government’s financial activities.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, Tinubu acknowledged that the EFCC acted within its legal authority by obtaining a court order but expressed concern that the timing of the move could create perceptions of political interference due to its proximity to the election.
The President said federal institutions must continue to operate independently and professionally, stressing that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies should be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without political influence.
However, he noted that the circumstances surrounding the EFCC’s decision were still being reviewed and maintained that no action by a government agency should undermine public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.
With the Osun governorship election approaching, Tinubu said it was important to avoid any situation that could suggest that federal institutions were being used to influence political outcomes.
He therefore directed the EFCC to return to court, seek the withdrawal of the order, and halt further actions relating to the restriction placed on the Osun State Government accounts.
The development comes amid heightened attention on the role of government agencies during election periods, with stakeholders closely monitoring measures aimed at maintaining transparency, institutional independence, and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
