In a statement issued from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, President Tinubu disclosed that he had become aware that the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts. While acknowledging the anti-graft agency’s statutory powers to investigate financial crimes and obtain judicial approvals where necessary, the President expressed deep concern over the timing of the action.
According to him, although the EFCC acted within its legal mandate, every action taken by a federal institution is often attributed to the Presidency, regardless of whether he was aware of or involved in the decision.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions by allowing anti-corruption agencies to operate independently, professionally, and without political interference.
He explained that since assuming office, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies, insisting that institutions established by law must be allowed to exercise their constitutional responsibilities without requiring presidential approval.
President Tinubu, however, stressed that while he was yet to receive the full details surrounding the EFCC’s decision to obtain the court order, he considered the timing of the action “inauspicious,” particularly as Osun State prepares to hold its governorship election in a matter of days.
He warned that any action capable of creating the impression that federal institutions were being used to influence the electoral process could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
“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,” the President stated.
Describing the preservation of the integrity, credibility and fairness of the democratic process as paramount, President Tinubu said the overriding public interest necessitated his intervention in the matter.
Consequently, he directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts and discontinue all related legal proceedings against the state in respect of the matter.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to the rule of law, institutional independence and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic values, while ensuring that government actions do not undermine public trust in the electoral process.
The directive is expected to ease concerns among political stakeholders and residents of Osun State ahead of the governorship election, with observers likely to view the move as an effort by the Presidency to reinforce confidence in the neutrality of federal institutions during the electoral process.
