President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to withdraw legal proceedings that resulted in the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts, citing concerns over the possible political implications ahead of the state’s governorship election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the President instructed the anti-graft agency to take immediate steps to vacate the court order authorising the account freeze and discontinue all related actions connected to the matter.

Tinubu acknowledged that the EFCC acted within the powers granted to it by law in obtaining the court order but said the timing of the development, coming close to the governorship poll, could fuel perceptions of federal interference in the electoral process.

He stressed that his administration remains committed to ensuring free, fair and credible elections and would avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the democratic process.

The President also reaffirmed his commitment to the operational independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, noting that his government does not interfere in their investigations or routine activities.

According to the statement, the directive was issued to prevent any action that could be interpreted as influencing the electoral environment while preserving the integrity of both the anti-corruption process and the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.