Former Vice President of Nigeria and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for freezing the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account just days before the state’s governorship election.
Atiku described the move as a serious threat to democracy, arguing that it raises concerns about the impartiality of institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law. He maintained that there was no valid reason for such an action so close to a crucial election.
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the timing of the decision was disturbing and could erode public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.
“It is impossible to ignore the implications of freezing a state’s principal operational account on the eve of a governorship election. Such an action could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, impede essential public services and create an atmosphere of intimidation that has no place in a democratic society.
“If there are legitimate concerns requiring investigation, the law provides due process. Anti-corruption agencies must not conduct themselves in a manner that creates the perception that they are being deployed to influence political outcomes or weaken elected governments at critical electoral moments.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy relies not only on free and fair elections but also on the confidence of citizens that state institutions operate independently, professionally and without political influence.
“The selective and politically convenient deployment of state institutions diminishes public trust and weakens the democratic order. Institutions established to enforce the law must never become instruments for creating fear or conferring political advantage.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the pattern under the Tinubu administration, where opposition-controlled states appear to be the consistent targets of coercive federal actions. Coming after the prolonged denial of Osun State’s statutory local government allocations, this latest action reinforces the disturbing impression that public institutions are being weaponised to punish political opponents rather than serve the Nigerian people.”
Atiku urged the EFCC to immediately lift the freeze placed on the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account.
“Freezing the state’s allocation account is not merely an attack on the Osun State Government; it is a direct assault on the people of Osun State, whose salaries, essential public services and daily governance stand to suffer. The anti-corruption mandate of the EFCC must never be distorted into a political weapon against opposition governments.”
He also called on all institutions involved in conducting the Osun governorship election to remain impartial, exercise restraint and uphold the Constitution.
“The people of Osun State alone must determine the outcome of their election. No external force or institution of government should, by action or omission, cast a shadow over the credibility of that democracy.”
