JUST IN: Osun 2026: Tinubu Acted Within Law to Halt Osun Account Freeze, Says APC Spokesman
By OGB Joseph, Abuja
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to withdraw the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, insisting that the President acted within his constitutional authority.
Speaking during an interview on TV Continental’s News, Morka said the President’s intervention was necessitated by the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, stressing that the timing of the EFCC’s action could have undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
He explained that while the anti-graft agency acted within its statutory powers, freezing the state’s accounts barely days before the election was “ill-timed” and capable of creating the impression of political interference.
“The EFCC operates under the watch of Mr. President. The President did not ask the commission to abandon its investigation or discontinue its case. He only expressed concern that the timing of the action, coming a few days before the governorship election, was inappropriate,” Morka said.
Responding to criticisms that the directive could erode the independence of the EFCC and violate the doctrine of separation of powers, the APC spokesman argued that the President was merely exercising his oversight responsibility as Head of State and Government.
According to him, there is a clear distinction between directing an agency to halt an investigation permanently and advising it to defer certain actions in the interest of a higher public objective.
“If the President had remained silent, many would have accused him and the APC of using federal agencies to influence the election. His intervention demonstrates leadership and a commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process,” he stated.
Morka maintained that the President’s directive does not prevent the EFCC from resuming its investigation after the election, insisting that the underlying inquiry remains intact.
He further argued that postponing the enforcement action until after the poll better serves the public interest and strengthens confidence in the integrity of the election.
“The rule of law also accommodates public policy considerations. Allowing the election to proceed without actions that may cast doubt on its fairness serves a superior public interest, while preserving the EFCC’s authority to continue its work after the election,” he added.
The presidential directive has sparked debate among legal and political observers, with critics questioning whether the President can intervene in a matter already before the courts.
Supporters, however, contend that the decision was aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the August 15 Osun governorship election and preventing perceptions of undue political influence.
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