ANEEJ Commends President Tinubu’s Directive to EFCC to Vacate Freezing Order on Osun State Government Accounts
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA – August 6, 2026..The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his timely directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately approach the court to vacate the order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government and discontinue the action in relation to the state government’s accounts.
Executive Director of ANEEJ, the Rev. David Ugolor said “the President’s intervention demonstrates a clear appreciation of the delicate balance between the imperative of fighting corruption and the equally important responsibility of safeguarding democratic processes. By acknowledging that the timing of the EFCC’s action, only days before the Osun State governorship election, could create an impression of political interference, President Tinubu has acted in the broader public interest and in defence of public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
ANEEJ notes that President Tinubu’s directive does not undermine the statutory independence of the EFCC or the broader anti-corruption agenda. Rather, it reinforces the principle that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must exercise their mandates professionally, impartially, transparently and in a manner that strengthens, rather than weakens, public trust in democratic governance.
According to the State House statement, the President acknowledged that anti-corruption and law enforcement institutions must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities independently and without political interference. However, he also observed that the timing of the action, coming only days before the Osun State governorship election, was inauspicious and could create the impression that a federal agency was being used to interfere with the electoral process.
ANEEJ believes that the President’s decision sends an important message to all law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies that legality alone is not always sufficient; public institutions must also be sensitive to timing, perception, context and the wider implications of their actions for public trust, democratic stability and electoral credibility.
“We have always supported strong, independent and well-resourced anti-corruption institutions. However, such institutions must not only act within the law, they must also act in ways that inspire public confidence, especially during sensitive electoral periods. The credibility of elections depends not only on the conduct of political actors, but also on the neutrality, professionalism and restraint of state institutions,” Rev. Ugolor stated.
ANEEJ further notes the EFCC’s explanation that its action was linked to ongoing investigations into alleged financial activities involving the Osun State Government. While allegations of corruption, suspicious movement of public funds or misuse of state resources must be investigated thoroughly and lawfully, such processes must be handled with the highest level of institutional caution when they coincide with a major election.
“This directive should not be interpreted as a retreat from the fight against corruption. Any legitimate investigation may continue at the appropriate time and through due process. What is important is that anti-corruption enforcement must not, whether intentionally or unintentionally, compromise the integrity, credibility and fairness of the electoral process,” Rev. Ugolor added.
ANEEJ describes the President’s intervention as a win-win outcome for democracy and accountability. It strengthens confidence in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, reassures the people of Osun State that the electoral process will not be overshadowed by the appearance of undue federal interference, and preserves the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The organisation urges the EFCC and all anti-corruption agencies to continue to discharge their mandates with professionalism, independence and respect for the rule of law. ANEEJ also calls on such agencies to develop internal election-period protocols to guide sensitive enforcement actions during electoral cycles, especially where such actions may affect state governments, political institutions or public perception of neutrality.
As Nigeria continues to deepen its democracy, ANEEJ calls on all public institutions to remain committed to political neutrality, transparency, constitutionalism, due process and respect for democratic values. These principles are essential for strengthening public confidence in both the anti-corruption system and the electoral process.
ANEEJ also calls on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society organisations, election observers, the media and citizens to work together to ensure that the Osun State governorship election is peaceful, credible, transparent and reflective of the will of the people.
ANEEJ reaffirms its commitment to the fight against corruption, the defence of democratic accountability, and the promotion of institutions that act independently, fairly and in the overriding public interest.
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