The Accord Party has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for freezing Osun State Government accounts just ten days before the August 15, 2026 governorship election, describing the move as a plot to cripple the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and favour the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
EFCC Accused of Acting Without Court Order
In a press release signed by the National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, and made available to Legit.ng on Wednesday, August 5, the party stated that the EFCC acted without obtaining a court order before freezing the accounts. The party suggested that the anti-graft agency knew no court would grant such an order, and that the action was designed to disrupt government operations and create conditions favourable to the APC.
The statement read: "EFCC is acting a script along with the police in the state to paralyze and frustrate government activities to pave way for the opposition APC."
Accord Alleges Widespread Harassment of Members
Beyond the EFCC's action, Accord alleged that police across Osun State have been harassing, intimidating, arresting, and detaining its members and supporters in what the party called a brazen display of partisanship. The party also said members are being held in Abuja, Osun, and Nasarawa States in violation of their constitutional rights, and demanded their unconditional release.
The party claimed it had previously raised concerns about plans to deploy federal power to subdue residents of Osun ahead of the poll, and described the EFCC's move as part of that wider plot. Accord said it would challenge the account freezing in court, comparing it to an earlier attempt to de-register the party alongside four others, which it said was also defeated through legal action.
Party Urges Tinubu to Ensure Neutrality
Accord called directly on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure security agencies remain neutral before, during, and after the election. The party said it was the president's constitutional duty as Commander-in-Chief to protect lives and prevent security forces from interfering in the civic process.
"Nigerians will not tolerate any manipulation of Osun governorship election to impose an unpopular candidate on the people," the statement said. The party expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke remained the preferred candidate of Osun residents and would win re-election. It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be given a free hand to conduct the poll without interference from any quarter.
EFCC Defends Freezing of Accounts
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the EFCC defended its decision to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State government, saying the move was necessary to prevent the looting of public funds ahead of the governorship election. In a public statement, the EFCC said it had been investigating the Osun State government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent management of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements, with the total amount under scrutiny put at N11 billion.
