Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account, warning that anti-corruption agencies must not be used as political tools against opposition parties.
In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the move as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, particularly because it comes just days before the Osun State governorship election.
He argued that freezing the state’s main operational account at such a sensitive period could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, affect public services and create an atmosphere capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process.
“There can be no justification for such an action on the eve of a critical election,” Atiku said.
The former vice president maintained that while allegations of wrongdoing should be investigated, anti-corruption agencies must strictly follow due process and avoid actions that could be interpreted as attempts to influence political outcomes.
According to him, public institutions must remain independent, professional and free from political interference if Nigeria’s democracy is to remain credible.
Atiku also expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of federal actions targeting opposition-controlled states.
He linked the latest development to what he called the prolonged withholding of Osun State’s local government allocations, arguing that both actions reinforce public perceptions that state institutions are being used for political purposes.
“The selective and politically convenient deployment of state institutions diminishes public trust and weakens the democratic order,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate called on the EFCC to immediately lift the restriction on Osun State’s allocation account, insisting that the people—not the government alone—would bear the consequences of the decision.
He warned that withholding the funds could negatively affect workers’ salaries, essential government services and the welfare of residents.
“The anti-corruption mandate of the EFCC must never be distorted into a political weapon against opposition governments,” Atiku stated.
He also urged all institutions involved in the conduct of the Osun governorship election to remain neutral and uphold the Constitution, stressing that only the people of Osun should determine the outcome of the poll.
Concluding his remarks, Atiku called on opposition parties and Nigerians who support democratic governance to remain vigilant against what he described as attempts to undermine the country’s democratic institutions.
“Democracy cannot coexist with the systematic weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents,” he said.
Atiku Blasts EFCC Over Osun Account Freeze, Warns Against ‘Weaponising’ Anti-Graft Agency
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