Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is planning to freeze the bank accounts of the state government ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke also alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the accounts of some top government officials in the state, saying such a move could disrupt government operations in the days leading to the election.
The governor made the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.
According to the statement, the state government had received what it described as credible reports that the EFCC had concluded plans to freeze all accounts belonging to the Osun State Government.
“The state government received credible reports that the anti-graft agency had concluded plans to freeze all Osun State Government accounts,” the statement said.
Adeleke described the alleged plan as an attempt to paralyse the state government at a critical time, saying it could affect the ability of the administration to carry out its responsibilities before residents go to the polls.
The governor also claimed that the reported plan extended to the bank accounts of top government functionaries.
He warned that freezing the accounts could create difficulties for the payment of salaries, execution of government programmes and other activities requiring access to public funds.
Adeleke described the alleged move as “the height of lawlessness” and insisted that there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts of the state government.
“Any attempt to freeze the state’s accounts would be aimed at paralysing government activities before residents go to the polls on August 15,” he said.
“There is no legal basis or justification for any push to freeze the state government accounts. The anti-graft agency has no legal powers to freeze the account of a state government.”
The governor said any attempt by the EFCC to carry out such an action would amount to an abuse of power and could undermine the smooth running of government business.
He described the alleged plan as an emerging threat to his administration’s ability to function in the period leading to the election.
The allegation comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Osun State as political parties prepare for the governorship election.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with Adeleke seeking another term in office.
The governor, who won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, has been campaigning for re-election while opposition parties have intensified their efforts to defeat his administration.
The 2026 election is therefore expected to attract considerable attention, particularly because of the political importance of Osun and the history of closely fought elections in the state.
Adeleke’s latest allegation also comes amid broader concerns raised by politicians over the activities of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies during election periods.
The EFCC is empowered to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, including money laundering, fraud and other economic offences. Over the years, the agency has investigated individuals, businesses and public officials suspected of financial misconduct.
However, actions by the commission, particularly those involving politicians, have sometimes generated political controversy, with affected persons accusing the agency of selective enforcement or political interference.
The EFCC has consistently maintained that its investigations are based on the law and that it does not target individuals because of their political affiliation.
The commission has also used measures such as account restrictions and freezing orders in financial crime investigations, subject to applicable legal procedures and court orders.
Adeleke’s allegation, however, is specifically about the reported freezing of state government accounts and the possible impact on the running of the government before the election.
The governor did not disclose the source of the information or provide details of when the alleged account freeze would take place.
He also did not identify the government officials whose accounts he claimed could be affected.
The allegation is likely to add to the political tension in the state as the election approaches.
Political parties and candidates have been expected to focus on issues such as development, governance, security, employment, education and the welfare of residents as they seek voters’ support.
For the Adeleke administration, maintaining access to government funds is also important for the continued payment of workers and implementation of public programmes.
The governor therefore urged the relevant authorities to avoid any action that could disrupt the activities of the state government before the election.
He maintained that the reported move, if carried out, would not only affect his administration but could also have wider consequences for residents who depend on government services.
The allegation had not, in the statement, been accompanied by a response from the EFCC.
With the August 15 election drawing closer, Adeleke’s warning is expected to further intensify scrutiny of the activities of security and anti-corruption agencies in the state.
The governor’s administration has in recent months also raised concerns over alleged attempts to interfere with the electoral process, while the Federal Government and security agencies have repeatedly said they are committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
As political campaigns enter a crucial stage, attention is now likely to focus on whether the alleged account-freezing plan exists and what action, if any, the EFCC intends to take.
For now, Adeleke has warned that any attempt to restrict the state government’s access to its accounts would be viewed as an effort to weaken the administration ahead of the governorship poll.