By Comrade James Onifade
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the Osun State Government account barely ten days before the August 15, 2026 governorship election, without any court order and without due process.
This action is a direct blow to democratic governance and raises serious questions about the Commission’s judgment, timing, and motives.
What exactly is the EFCC trying to achieve? Why must such a drastic measure come at this politically sensitive moment? If the Commission has been investigating the Osun State Government, Nigerians deserve to know why this step could not wait until after the election.
The timing alone is bound to fuel public suspicion and create the impression that the action is designed to influence the political atmosphere in the state.
It is also troubling that similar actions were not seen during the recent governorship election in Ekiti. If law enforcement agencies are to retain public confidence, they must apply the law consistently. Why Osun? Why now?
Beyond politics, freezing a government account affects real people. It has the potential to disrupt governance and delay salaries, pensions, healthcare, and other essential public services. It creates unnecessary anxiety among civil servants and residents who depend on government to function.
No one is above the law. Every allegation of financial misconduct should be investigated. But justice must not only be done; it must also be seen to be done fairly and without any appearance of political interference. Actions taken on the eve of an election fail that test.
Equally concerning is the silence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the people of Osun have a right to expect him to assure the public that federal institutions will remain impartial. Continued silence risks creating the perception that these concerns are being ignored.
We therefore call on the EFCC to:
1. Provide full clarification and the legal basis for this action immediately
2. Follow due process and the rule of law
3. Unfreeze the Osun State Government account and stay out of partisan politics
Democracy is protected when institutions act without fear or favour. The people of Osun deserve an election free from controversy and intimidation.
The people of Osun should remain peaceful and vigilant. They can freeze our account, but they cannot freeze our votes.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and Judicial Reform
