The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly condemned the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the statutory account of the Osun State Government ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election. In a statement, the coalition described the action as troubling, particularly given its timing and the political circumstances surrounding the forthcoming election.
CUPP acknowledged that the EFCC derives its powers from its Establishment Acts of 2002 and 2004 to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, but insisted that such powers must be exercised strictly within the limits of the Constitution, 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,” the coalition said.
The statement was signed by Comrade Agu Diamond Bryan, spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties. The coalition also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, had publicly distanced himself from what it described as the EFCC’s “embarrassing action” and directed the commission to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s statutory account. However, CUPP said it viewed the presidential directive as “an afterthought arising out of public outcry,” arguing that the circumstances surrounding the EFCC action had already generated serious concerns about the neutrality and professionalism of the anti-graft agency.
According to the coalition, Nigerians expect an EFCC that will discharge its mandate “diligently, professionally, and strictly in accordance with the rule of law.” It said the commission must be allowed to perform its constitutional responsibilities “without fear or favour,” but stressed that this freedom must equally be exercised without “selective enforcement, double standards, or the existence of sacred cows.” CUPP said the fight against corruption would lose public credibility if citizens perceived the agency’s actions as politically influenced.
The coalition said the timing of the EFCC’s action had raised “legitimate and unavoidable questions,” particularly because Osun is an opposition-controlled state preparing for a governorship election. “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?” CUPP asked. It also questioned why similar measures were not applied in Ekiti State, an APC-controlled state, during its governorship election of June 20, 2026.
CUPP further stressed that Nigeria has 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and warned that “Osun State must never become a testing ground for selective enforcement.” The coalition said if the EFCC considers it necessary to beam its anti-corruption searchlight on Osun in the interest of transparency, accountability and the rule of law, “then the same standard must be applied consistently across all the thirty-six states of the Federation.” It said that was the standard Nigerians should expect from a credible anti-corruption institution, rather than “selective prosecution or unilateral actions capable of diminishing public confidence in the integrity, neutrality, and independence of the nation’s democratic institutions.”
The coalition therefore called on the EFCC to remain steadfast in its statutory mandate by upholding “fairness, impartiality, transparency, and equal treatment” in the discharge of its responsibilities. It warned that 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.
CUPP reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of all institutions of government,” and urged every public institution to conduct its affairs in a manner that strengthens national unity, protects democratic values and reinforces confidence in Nigeria’s constitutional order. The coalition declared that “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.
