Osun Account Freeze: Accord Party Demands EFCC Chairman’s Resignation as Legal Debate Deepens
The EFCC's decision to freeze the Osun State Government's bank account before an election sparked significant controversy, leading to calls for the chairman's resignation and President Tinubu's intervention. Legal experts, including SAN Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, questioned the EFCC's authority and warned public officials against political loyalty, emphasizing the need for consistent application of anti-graft policies.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) faced mounting criticism after restricting an Osun State Government account days before the August 15 governorship election, prompting accusations of political interference and calls for accountability.
The Accord Party demanded the resignation of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, with its National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, urging President Bola Tinubu to remove him if he failed to step down. The party welcomed Tinubu’s subsequent directive to reverse the restriction, describing the intervention as necessary to avert a potential constitutional crisis.
Accord also raised concerns over alleged harassment and arrests of its supporters in Osun, appealing to the President and Inspector-General of Police for the release of about 60 detained members. The party urged INEC and security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that the August 15 election is conducted freely, fairly and peacefully.
Meanwhile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika questioned whether the EFCC should have the power to freeze government accounts, particularly during politically sensitive election periods.
Olumide-Fusika acknowledged the genuine risk of public funds being diverted into electoral activities but argued that unchecked account-freezing powers could themselves be abused. He questioned why similar restrictions were not imposed on Ekiti State during its recent governorship election and argued that any policy designed to prevent electoral misuse of public funds should be applied consistently across federal, state and government agency accounts.
The controversy has therefore widened beyond the Osun election, raising broader questions about the limits of anti-corruption enforcement, institutional independence and the obligation of public officials to serve citizens rather than political interests.