Atiku: EFCC’s Reported Freeze on Osun Funds Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the reported action, coming days before the Osun State governorship election, raises questions about the independence of public institutions and the credibility of the electoral process.
He said the move amounted to “a dangerous assault on democracy,” alleging that the Tinubu administration was increasingly deploying anti-corruption institutions against opposition-controlled governments rather than allowing them to operate independently.
“The freezing of the state’s principal operational account on the eve of a governorship election is deeply troubling. It sends the wrong message about the neutrality of institutions and risks eroding public confidence in the electoral process,” Atiku said.
The former vice president warned that restricting the state’s access to its statutory allocation could disrupt governance, delay workers’ salaries and undermine the delivery of essential public services, with ordinary residents bearing the consequences.
While affirming that allegations of financial misconduct should be thoroughly investigated, Atiku stressed that anti-corruption agencies must adhere to due process and avoid actions that could be interpreted as politically motivated.
He further argued that the reported development, alongside what he described as the prolonged withholding of Osun State’s local government allocations, reinforces concerns that federal institutions are being used selectively against opposition-led states.
Atiku called on the EFCC to immediately reverse the reported freezing of the account, insisting that any enforcement action should not come at the expense of citizens who depend on government services.
He also urged institutions involved in the Osun governorship election to remain impartial and uphold constitutional principles, saying the outcome of the poll should be determined solely by the will of the electorate.
“The people of Osun must be allowed to choose their leaders freely, without intimidation or interference. Democracy can only thrive when institutions remain independent and the rule of law is respected,” he said.
Atiku further appealed to opposition parties and Nigerians committed to democratic governance to resist what he described as the growing weaponisation of state institutions for partisan political ends.