PRESS STATEMENT
FROM THE COALITION OF UNITED POLITICAL PARTIES (CUPP).
CUPP Condenms EFCC'S Freezing of Osun State Statutory Account, Calls For Transparency in Prosecution.
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned in strong terms the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the statutory account of the Osun State Government at a critical period preceding the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
While the EFCC derives its powers from its Establishment Acts of 2002 and 2004 to investigate and prosecute economic and financial related crimes, such powers must be exercised strictly within the limits of the Constitution, observing due process, and the rule of law. Nigerians deserve an anti-corruption agency that is impartial, professional, consistent, and above every suspicion of political bias—not one whose actions generate avoidable controversy capable of eroding public trust in the nation's democratic institutions.
While CUPP notes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, may have publicly distanced himself from the EFCC's embarrassing action, directing the Commission to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government's statutory account, CUPP sees the directive as an afterthought arising out of public outcry.
CUPP maintains that Nigerians, and indeed every patriot committed to constitutional democracy, desire an EFCC that will discharge its constitutional mandate diligently, professionally, and strictly in accordance with the rule of law. The Commission must be allowed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour, but equally without selective enforcement, double standards, or the existence of sacred cows.
The Coalition further stated that while the EFCC is constitutionally empowered to perform its statutory responsibilities, the timing of this action raises legitimate and unavoidable questions.
Why is it only Osun State—an opposition-controlled state preparing for a governorship election on August 15, 2026—that is witnessing such an extraordinary intervention? Why were similar measures not applied in Ekiti State, an APC-controlled state, during its governorship election of June 20, 2026? Nigeria comprises thirty-six states, and the Federal Capital Territory, Osun State must never become a testing ground for selective enforcement.
If the EFCC considers it necessary, in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, to beam its anti-corruption searchlight on Osun State, then the same standard must be applied consistently across all the thirty-six states of the Federation. That is the expectation of Nigerians from a credible anti-corruption institution—not selective prosecution or unilateral actions capable of diminishing public confidence in the integrity, neutrality, and independence of the nation's democratic institutions.
The CUPP therefore calls on the EFCC to remain steadfast in its constitutional mandate by upholding fairness, impartiality, transparency, and equal treatment in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities. The fight against corruption must never be conducted in a manner that creates the perception of political selectivity, particularly during an election period when public confidence in democratic institutions is of paramount importance.
The Coalition reaffirms its unwavering commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of all institutions of government. It urges every public institution to conduct its affairs in a manner that strengthens national unity, protects democratic values, and reinforces public confidence in Nigeria's constitutional order. The integrity of Nigeria's democratic process must remain sacrosanct, while all constitutional institutions must continue to discharge their responsibilities with the highest standards of fairness, professionalism, and accountability.
Signed:
Comrade Agu Diamond Bryan. Spokesperson Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP)
