President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take immediate steps to vacate a court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President said he only became aware that the anti-graft agency had secured the court order on August 5, 2026, and expressed concern that the development could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the electoral process.
Tinubu stressed that while he respects the independence of anti-corruption agencies and has consistently avoided interfering in their operations, the timing of the EFCC’s action was inappropriate.
“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,” the President said.
He noted that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the Presidency, even when he has no prior knowledge of them.
The President reiterated that since assuming office, he has allowed law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to carry out their statutory responsibilities independently, without fear, favour or political interference.
According to him, strong democratic institutions operating within the law remain essential for good governance and the rule of law.
Tinubu, however, explained that the proximity of the Osun governorship election made the EFCC’s action particularly sensitive.
“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 the President said he had not yet been fully briefed on the circumstances that led the EFCC to obtain the court order, he maintained that preserving public confidence in the electoral process was paramount.
Consequently, Tinubu said he had instructed the anti-graft agency to immediately return to court to set aside the order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
“Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard,” the statement added.
