Tinubu has ordered EFCC to withdraw court order freezing Osun Government accounts ahead of Governorship election.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and withdraw the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, warning that the move could undermine public confidence in the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.
The directive was contained in a State House statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after the President was informed that the EFCC had secured the court order on August 5.
Tinubu said he was not displeased that the anti-graft agency had carried out its statutory responsibility by obtaining a court order.
However, he described the timing of the action as unfortunate, noting that many Nigerians would naturally associate the decision with the Presidency despite his having no prior knowledge of the development.
The President reiterated that since assuming office, he has allowed anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement institutions to operate independently without political interference.
According to him, agencies established by law must be allowed to perform their duties professionally and within the limits of their legal mandates.
Tinubu said he was yet to receive a full briefing on the reasons behind the EFCC’s decision to seek the freezing order.
Nevertheless, he stressed that freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts just days before the governorship election could create the perception that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the electoral process.
He maintained that no action by any federal institution should cast doubt on the transparency, credibility, and fairness of the election.
The President added that safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process remains one of his administration’s top priorities.
Consequently, Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately return to court, withdraw the freezing order, and discontinue the legal action initiated against the Osun State Government over the matter.
