Fresh Drama Ahead Of Osun Election As Adeleke Alleges EFCC Move Against State Funds

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is planning to freeze all bank accounts belonging to the state government ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the governor raised the issue during a meeting at the Government House in Osogbo on Tuesday.

According to Alimi, the alleged plan also targets the bank accounts of top officials in the Adeleke administration. The governor described the reported move as unlawful, warning that it would disrupt government operations just days before the election.

Adeleke claimed there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts of a state government, arguing that such an action would amount to “the height of lawlessness” and was intended to cripple his administration ahead of the polls.

“The alleged plan to freeze the state’s accounts is aimed at paralysing government activities before the governorship election,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

The EFCC had not officially responded to the allegation as of the time of reporting. When contacted, the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said he would respond later but had yet to issue a statement.

Adeleke is seeking a second four-year term under the Accord Party, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to reclaim Osun State after four years in opposition.

The election campaign has been accompanied by heightened political tension, with reports of clashes between supporters of rival political parties in different parts of the state.

Speaking at a recent campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area, Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and help curb the rising violence, warning against a repeat of the political unrest experienced in parts of the South-West in 1983.

The governor maintained that all his administration seeks is a peaceful environment that will guarantee a free, fair and credible governorship election.