ATIKU SLAMS EFCC OVER OSUN ACCOUNT FREEZE, DEMANDS IMMEDIATE REVERSAL
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account, describing the move as a threat to democracy and calling for its immediate reversal.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president argued that freezing the account just days before the August 15 governorship election raises concerns about the impartiality of institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the electoral process.
Atiku warned that restricting access to the state’s principal operational account could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, hinder essential public services and create an atmosphere of intimidation capable of undermining public confidence in the credibility of the election.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s mandate to investigate allegations of financial misconduct, he insisted that such investigations must follow due process and should not create the impression of political interference or be used to weaken opposition-controlled governments.
He further alleged a pattern of selective deployment of federal institutions against opposition states, arguing that the latest action, alongside the prolonged withholding of local government allocations, reinforces concerns that state institutions are being used for political purposes.
Atiku urged the EFCC to lift the restriction immediately, warning that ordinary residents, rather than political office holders, would bear the consequences of the action. He also called on all institutions involved in the Osun governorship election to remain neutral and ensure that the outcome reflects the will of the electorate.
The statement comes amid controversy over the EFCC’s “Post No Debit” order on the state’s account. The anti-graft agency has maintained that the restriction is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of about ₦11 billion in public funds and is unrelated to the forthcoming governorship election.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, however, claimed that the affected account is used to pay workers’ salaries and accused the EFCC of trying to paralyse the state’s operations ahead of the governorship election.
The development has further heightened political tensions in the build-up to the poll, with opposition leaders questioning the timing of the account freeze, while the EFCC maintains that the action is part of its lawful anti-corruption responsibilities.
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