Tinubu Directs EFCC To Unfreeze Osun Accounts, Slams ‘Embarrassing’ Timing
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately unfreeze the accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the anti-graft agency’s actions ahead of the state’s governorship election as highly inappropriate.
The upcoming Osun State gubernatorial election holds on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
It’s a straight contest between incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party and Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze the state’s statutory allocation accounts on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, citing allegations of fraudulent diversion of N11 billion in public funds.
In a personally signed statement, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the political implications of the said action, noting that the timing of the move could undermine democratic integrity.
“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 said.
The President registered his displeasure, pointing out that actions taken by federal institutions are routinely blamed on the presidency, even when he has no knowledge of them.
“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election,” Tinubu stated. “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.”
Citing the need to preserve public confidence and guarantee a level playing field, the President confirmed he had intervened and directed the anti-corruption body to discontinue whatever action it has instituted in this regard.
“Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process,” he added.
“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 president concluded.
