The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned the timing of the reported freezing of Osun State Government bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), coming ahead of the state’s governorship election.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, said he remained in support of the fight against corruption but warned that anti-corruption agencies must not be used to intimidate political opponents or interfere with democratic processes.
“I have always supported a relentless fight against corruption. However, that fight must never become a tool for political intimidation or the suppression of democracy,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor said government institutions must operate independently and avoid actions capable of casting doubts on their neutrality, particularly during an election period.
He questioned why the EFCC would take what he described as a drastic step shortly before the election if investigations into the matter had allegedly been ongoing for months.
“The timing of this action raises legitimate questions. If investigations had been ongoing for months, why take such a drastic step on the eve of an election?” he asked.
Obi stressed that public
institutions must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial in order to sustain public confidence in the democratic process.He expressed concern over what he described as a growing perception that state institutions were being used for political purposes, warning that such a development could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
“Governments come and go, but once institutions lose their independence and credibility, the nation suffers,” he said.
While acknowledging that allegations of wrongdoing should be properly investigated, Obi insisted that such investigations must be conducted in accordance with due process and constitutional procedures.
“If there is evidence of wrongdoing, the Constitution provides a clear path: seek the appropriate orders from a competent court. Due process is the foundation of justice,” he stated.
He therefore called on the relevant authorities to operate within the limits of the law and ensure that nothing was done to undermine the credibility of the Osun governorship election.
Obi also urged that voters in Osun State be allowed to freely choose their leaders without intimidation or interference.
“Nigeria’s democracy was built on sacrifice. We must not allow it to be weakened by the misuse of institutions or the pursuit of political advantage,” he added.
