We must not allow it – Peter Obi reacts to EFCC freezing Osun govt account

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, warning against actions that could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.

Obi, in a post on X on Thursday, said although he has consistently supported the fight against corruption, anti-graft efforts must not be used as instruments of political intimidation or to suppress democracy.

He argued that no institution, regardless of its importance, should act in a manner that creates the impression of influencing the electoral process.

The former Anambra State governor questioned the timing of the EFCC’s action, noting that if investigations had been ongoing for months, it was necessary to explain why the accounts were frozen just days before the governorship election.

According to him, democratic institutions must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial.

Obi also expressed concern over what he described as the growing perception that state institutions are being deployed to achieve political objectives, warning that such a trend poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

He maintained that where there is evidence of wrongdoing, authorities should follow constitutional procedures by obtaining appropriate court orders, stressing that no agency should exercise powers beyond those granted by law.

Obi called on relevant authorities to act strictly within the constitution and ensure that nothing compromises the credibility of the Osun governorship election.

He added that the people of Osun should be allowed to freely choose their leaders through the ballot without intimidation or institutional interference, warning that Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened through the misuse of state institutions for political advantage.