By Osaretin Osadebamwen
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account just days before the state’s governorship election, describing the move as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement released on Thursday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the action by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raises serious concerns about the independence of public institutions. He maintained that carrying out such a decision on the eve of a major election sends the wrong signal and could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The former vice president alleged that the development suggests a growing pattern of using federal institutions to weaken opposition-controlled states. He warned that anti-corruption agencies must remain impartial and should never create the impression that they are being used to influence political contests or intimidate elected governments.
Atiku said freezing the state’s major operational account on the eve of the election could disrupt governance, delay workers’ salaries, affect essential public services and create unnecessary tension during a sensitive political period.
He maintained that where genuine allegations exist, authorities should follow due legal process rather than adopt measures capable of creating suspicion of political interference.
According to him, democracy thrives when institutions operate independently, professionally and without external influence, stressing that selective enforcement of the law undermines public trust and weakens democratic governance.
The former vice president further alleged that opposition-controlled states have increasingly become targets of federal actions under the current administration, citing the prolonged withholding of Osun State’s local government allocations as another example.
He called on the EFCC to immediately lift the restriction placed on the state’s statutory allocation account, insisting that the people of Osun would bear the consequences through delayed salaries, disrupted services and reduced government operations.
Atiku also urged institutions responsible for conducting the Osun governorship election to remain impartial and uphold constitutional principles to ensure that the outcome reflects the genuine will of the electorate.
He warned that Nigeria’s democracy would be endangered if state institutions are perceived as tools for advancing partisan interests, urging opposition parties, civil society groups and all Nigerians committed to constitutional governance to resist any actions capable of undermining free, fair and credible elections.
