Accord Party Demands EFCC Chair Step Down Over Osun Account Freeze

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Osun State Government's bank accounts were frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, prompting the Accord Party to demand the EFCC chairman's resignation. During a Friday press conference held in Abuja, National Chairman Chief Maxwell Mgbudem issued this call, stating that President Bola Tinubu should terminate the EFCC leader's tenure should voluntary departure prove impossible, thereby restoring integrity within the anti-graft agency.

Mgbudem characterized the account-freezing order as both unconstitutional and an abuse of the EFCC's lawful jurisdiction. He argued that the agency had overstepped its statutory bounds through this measure, which seemed deliberately scheduled to influence electoral outcomes.

In the party's assessment, such conduct sparked doubts about the institution's capacity for impartiality and autonomous operation. Meanwhile, the Accord Party lauded President Tinubu for ordering the freeze's reversal.

Mgbudem recognized this presidential decision as timely and important, but underscored that institutional accountability structures must be strengthened to prevent similar occurrences during forthcoming electoral cycles. These statements reflected the party's broader position regarding the Osun gubernatorial contest.

The handling of institutional checks during electoral periods has drawn considerable attention as a result of this matter. Neither the EFCC chairman nor presidential representatives have provided substantive replies to demands for the official's ouster.

As scheduled, the Osun election proceeds toward its August 15 date.