The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has warned that the freezing of Osun State’s statutory allocation account ahead of the governorship election poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku argued that the action, allegedly taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), could erode public confidence in the electoral process and fuel concerns about the neutrality of institutions expected to uphold the rule of law during elections.
Atiku’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday in Abuja, following the reported freezing of Osun State’s statutory allocation account by the EFCC just days before the state’s governorship election.
According to the former vice president, freezing the state’s main allocation account so close to the election could disrupt governance, delay workers’ salaries, hinder the delivery of essential public services and create an atmosphere of intimidation that has no place in a democratic system.
“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,” he said.
Atiku maintained that while allegations of wrongdoing should be investigated, anti-corruption agencies must operate strictly within the law and avoid actions capable of creating the impression that they are being used to influence political contests.
“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,” he stated.
Furthermore, Atiku stressed that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system depends not only on transparent elections but also on the independence and professionalism of public institutions.
“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,” Atiku added.
The ADC presidential candidate also linked the development to what he described as a broader pattern of actions against opposition-controlled states under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He referenced the earlier dispute over Osun State’s statutory local government allocations, saying the latest development reinforces concerns that federal institutions are being used against political opponents.
According to him, the freezing of the state’s allocation account extends beyond the government and directly affects residents who depend on uninterrupted public services and salary payments.
“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 said.
Atiku also called on all agencies involved in the conduct of the Osun governorship election to remain impartial, exercise restraint and uphold the provisions of the Constitution, insisting that only the electorate should determine the outcome of the poll.
He further accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to secure electoral victories through the alleged misuse of state institutions.
“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.