Atiku Accuses Tinubu Of Using EFCC To Target Opposition, Demands Reversal Of Osun Account Freeze

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using federal institutions to intimidate opposition-controlled states, following the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Atiku described the action as “a dangerous assault on democracy” and called on the anti-graft agency to immediately reverse the decision, warning that it could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed concern over the timing of the development, alleging that it raises serious questions about the neutrality of institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law.

According to him, there could be no justification for freezing the state’s principal operational account just days before a governorship election.

“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,” Atiku said.

The former vice president argued that Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on credible elections but also on public confidence that state institutions operate independently and without political interference.

“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,” he added.

Atiku further urged the EFCC to lift the restriction on the state’s allocation account, insisting that ordinary residents of Osun would bear the consequences of the action.

“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 stated.

He also appealed to institutions involved in the conduct of the Osun governorship election to remain impartial and uphold constitutional principles.

“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 democratic choice.

“President Tinubu is leaving no one in doubt that he is determined to win elections at all costs. Democracy cannot coexist with the systematic weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents. I therefore call on all opposition parties and every Nigerian committed to constitutional democracy to close ranks and resist this dangerous drift before it is too late,” Atiku said.