Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the freezing of the Osun State Government's statutory allocation account, describing the action as a direct assault on democracy and a dangerous precedent ahead of the state's governorship election.
Atiku made his position known in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's directive placing a post-no-debit restriction on the account.
The former Vice President argued that the timing of the action, coming just days before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, raises serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's democratic process.
According to Atiku, freezing the state's principal operational account could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, affect public services and create unnecessary political tension during the election period.
He maintained that while allegations of financial misconduct should be investigated, anti-corruption agencies must strictly follow due process and avoid actions capable of creating the impression of political interference.
Atiku warned that public institutions should never be deployed in ways that appear to weaken opposition-controlled governments or influence electoral outcomes.
He said the latest development reinforces growing concerns that federal institutions are increasingly being used as political instruments rather than remaining impartial constitutional bodies.
The former presidential candidate further alleged that the action followed the prolonged withholding of Osun State's local government allocations, describing the sequence of events as troubling.
According to him, anti-corruption efforts must never become tools for intimidating political opponents or undermining elected governments.
Atiku therefore called on the EFCC to immediately reverse the restriction placed on the state's allocation account in the interest of democracy and good governance.
He argued that the people of Osun State, rather than the political leadership alone, would ultimately bear the consequences if government operations are disrupted.
The former Vice President also urged institutions involved in the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election to remain impartial and act strictly within the provisions of the Constitution.
He stressed that only the electorate should determine the outcome of the election without actions capable of casting doubt on the credibility of the democratic process.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has defended its decision, stating that the restriction followed investigations into what it described as suspicious movements of funds from the state's accounts.
The commission said the temporary restriction became necessary after investigators observed substantial transfers from the accounts to multiple corporate entities during the ongoing investigation.
The development has generated widespread political reactions, with several stakeholders expressing differing opinions over the legality and timing of the action ahead of the governorship poll.
As political activities intensify in Osun State, observers say the controversy surrounding the account freeze is likely to remain one of the major issues shaping public discourse before voters head to the polls.