Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Peter Obi has criticised the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), warning that anti-corruption agencies must not be used in ways that could undermine democracy or influence the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the development, which reportedly occurred just days before the Osun State governorship election.
Obi reaffirmed his longstanding support for the fight against corruption but stressed that anti-graft efforts must never become instruments of political intimidation or democratic suppression.
“I have always supported a relentless fight against corruption. However, that fight must never become a tool for political intimidation or the suppression of democracy,” he said.
He questioned the timing of the reported action, arguing that if investigations had been ongoing for months, the decision to freeze the state’s accounts on the eve of the election inevitably raises concerns about the impartiality of public institutions.
“The timing of this action raises legitimate questions. If investigations had been ongoing for months, why take such a drastic step on the eve of an election? In a democracy, institutions must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial,” Obi stated.
He further warned against what he described as the growing perception that state institutions are increasingly being deployed to achieve political objectives.
“What is increasingly troubling is the growing perception that state institutions are being deployed to achieve political ends and secure power at all costs. This is dangerous for our democracy,” he said.
Obi maintained that where credible evidence of wrongdoing exists, law enforcement agencies should strictly adhere to constitutional and legal procedures.
“If there is evidence of wrongdoing, the Constitution provides a clear path: seek the appropriate orders from a competent court. Due process is the foundation of justice. No agency should exercise powers beyond those granted by law,” he added.
Obi called on all relevant authorities to act within the confines of the Constitution and ensure that nothing compromises the credibility of the Osun governorship election.
According to him, the people of Osun must be allowed to freely choose their leaders through the ballot without intimidation or institutional interference.
He concluded by warning that while governments are transient, the erosion of the independence and credibility of public institutions could have lasting consequences for the country’s democracy.
“Nigeria’s democracy was built on sacrifice. We must not allow it to be weakened by the misuse of institutions or the pursuit of political advantage,” he said.
