President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately approach the court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the timing of the action as inappropriate.
In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he became aware that the EFCC had obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts. While reaffirming his commitment to the independence of anti-corruption agencies, Tinubu expressed concern that the action could create the impression of federal interference in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
The President stated that although the EFCC acted within its statutory mandate by obtaining a court order, he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the move, noting that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the Presidency, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them.
Tinubu reiterated that since assuming office, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently without political interference, stressing that strong democratic institutions are essential for good governance and the rule of law.
He, however, said that while he was yet to be fully briefed on the circumstances that led the EFCC to seek the court order, the proximity of the Osun governorship election made the action ill-timed.
“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, 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 stated.
Tinubu said that in the overriding public interest and to preserve confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of the democratic process, he had directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the order and discontinue all actions instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the account freeze.
The statement was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and dated August 6, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
