President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed 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, declaring that the timing of the action could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming governorship election.
In a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, the President expressed concern that although the EFCC acted within its statutory powers, the decision to obtain the court order just days before the governorship election could create the perception that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the electoral process.
Tinubu revealed that the anti-graft agency secured the court order on August 5, 2026, without his prior knowledge or approval.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the operational independence of the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies but stressed that the actions of federal institutions are often interpreted by the public as reflecting the position of the Presidency.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
He maintained that since assuming office, his administration has deliberately avoided interfering in the activities of anti-corruption agencies, insisting that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy depends on institutions carrying out their constitutional responsibilities independently and within the bounds of the law.
However, the President warned that with the Osun governorship election only days away, every federal institution must avoid actions capable of creating doubts about the credibility of the electoral process.
“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,” he said.
Although Tinubu noted that he had yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances surrounding the court order, he said the overriding national interest required immediate intervention to protect the integrity of the election.
He consequently directed the EFCC to promptly return to court to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts and discontinue all related legal proceedings.
The President said the directive was aimed at safeguarding the fairness, credibility and integrity of the forthcoming governorship election while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, democratic governance and the independence of public institutions.
Tinubu added that the Federal Government remains committed to pursuing anti-corruption efforts without creating perceptions capable of eroding public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.