President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately reverse the court-backed freeze placed on the Osun State Government’s account.
Newsonspot reports that he cited concerns over the timing of the action ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
In a statement issued by the State House, the President said he was disappointed by the timing of the EFCC’s decision, stressing that although the anti-graft agency acted under a valid court order, the development could create the impression of federal interference in the electoral process.
Tinubu explained that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the President, even when he has no prior knowledge of such decisions, adding that the incident had left him deeply embarrassed.
The President reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to allowing anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement institutions to carry out their constitutional responsibilities independently, professionally, and without political influence.
He noted that since assuming office, he has deliberately avoided interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies because strong and independent institutions are essential to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance.
While acknowledging that he had not yet received the full details behind the EFCC’s decision to obtain the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s account, Tinubu maintained that the timing of the action was inappropriate given the proximity of the governorship election.
According to the President, no action should create the perception that any federal agency is being used to influence or interfere with the democratic process in Osun State.
To safeguard public confidence in the credibility, fairness, and integrity of the election, Tinubu said he considered it necessary to intervene in the overriding public interest.
He therefore directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all legal actions instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.
