President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately approach the court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the timing of the action as inappropriate and capable of undermining public confidence in the forthcoming governorship election.

The President said although he remains committed to the operational independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, the decision to freeze the state’s accounts just days before the election could create the impression that federal institutions were being deployed to influence the electoral process.

In a statement on Thursday, Tinubu said he became aware that the EFCC had secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.

He stressed that while the EFCC acted within its statutory mandate by obtaining a court order, he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the action, noting that every decision taken by a federal institution is ultimately attributed to the Presidency.

The President reaffirmed his long-standing policy of allowing anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement institutions to operate independently, professionally and without political interference.

“Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,” he said.

Tinubu explained that he had deliberately refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies because he believes that strong democratic institutions operating within the rule of law are essential to good governance.

He noted, however, that while he was yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to seek the court order, the proximity of the action to the Osun governorship election made presidential intervention necessary.

“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,” the President stated.

Tinubu said preserving public confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of the democratic process outweighed every other consideration.

He consequently directed the anti-graft agency to immediately return to court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all proceedings instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.

The President reiterated his commitment to strengthening independent institutions while ensuring that their actions do not cast doubt on the transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.