Coalition of pro-democracy organisations has condemned the reported freezing of bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the move as a threat to democratic governance ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition alleged that the anti-graft agency directed the action through a letter sent to the Abuja office of First Bank just days before the election.
The group argued that the timing of the development could have serious implications for governance and the electoral process in the state.
Describing the action as politically motivated, the coalition said: “This action is not merely an administrative decision; it is an unprecedented assault on constitutional democracy and a dangerous attempt to undermine the sovereign will of the people of Osun State.”
It further alleged that the move forms part of “a systematic effort by the APC-led Federal Government to deploy federal institutions in pursuit of political advantage instead of allowing the people to freely and fairly determine their political future through the ballot.”
The coalition maintained that the freezing of the state’s accounts was unlawful and inconsistent with democratic principles.
“We consider this action to be unlawful, politically provocative and wholly inconsistent with the constitutional principles of fairness, due process and federalism. The timing of this action leaves no reasonable observer in doubt that it is capable of creating an atmosphere that could affect governance and the electoral process in Osun State,” the statement read.
The group also questioned the role of the EFCC, insisting that the commission should remain focused on its anti-corruption mandate.
According to the statement, “The EFCC was established as an anti-corruption agency, not as a political institution for determining electoral outcomes.”
The coalition further claimed that under EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the commission has increasingly faced allegations of selective enforcement and political bias.
“Never before has the credibility and neutrality of the EFCC been subjected to such intense public scrutiny,” it added.
Calling for immediate action, the coalition demanded that the freezing order be lifted within 48 hours.
“The Coalition therefore demands the immediate reversal of the freezing order and the restoration of full access to the affected accounts within the next 48 hours,” the statement said.
It warned that failure to comply with the demand would trigger nationwide peaceful protests involving pro-democracy groups, labour unions, students, youth organisations and other concerned Nigerians.
The coalition stated that it would also mobilise residents of Osun State for what it described as “an unprecedented democratic resistance” against any action it believes could influence the electoral process.
The group appealed to the international community, including diplomatic missions, election observers, the African Union, ECOWAS and the Commonwealth, to closely monitor developments ahead of the governorship election.
It said the people of Osun State should be allowed to choose their governor “freely, without intimidation, coercion or any action capable of influencing the electoral environment.”
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the coalition’s statement.