EFCC unfreezes Osun govt accounts after Tinubu’s directive

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke's campaign has begun a detailed headcount of victims of electoral violence following his victory in the August 15 governorship election. The Imole Campaign Council has directed its structures across the state’s 30 local government areas to document individuals affected by violence before, during and immediately after the election. This includes those who lost their lives, sustained injuries, or had their property damaged or destroyed. The initiative aims to ensure that every victim is recorded, regardless of political affiliation, party membership, or voting preference. The move comes two days after Adeleke was declared the winner of the election, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, with 511,067 votes. The election followed months of political tension and reported violence, including the killing of an Accord Party supporter, Ajayi Aderogba, known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke in June. The Imole Campaign Council had previously called for an independent investigation into the incident. Ahead of the polls, clashes and allegations of politically motivated attacks involving major parties were reported by PUNCH Online. In its latest statement, signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the campaign council emphasized that the review would cover all victims of election-related violence. It stated that the exercise would not be limited to Adeleke’s supporters or members of the Accord Party. The council directed all local government structures to submit comprehensive and verifiable records of the affected persons for further review and appropriate action. It stressed that the outcome of the election could not erase the pain suffered by families who lost loved ones or sustained injuries. Earlier, the campaign council had alleged that several Accord members and Adeleke supporters were killed, injured, or detained during the election campaign. It named individuals such as Kolade Eluyera, Ezekiel Olapade, Ajayi Rogba, and Timilehin Oni among those allegedly killed. The council also claimed that over 100 of Adeleke’s campaign coordinators and supporters were arrested and detained. However, in the latest statement, the council broadened the scope of the exercise to include victims regardless of their political affiliations. Meanwhile, human rights activist and former Senator Shehu Sani criticized Governor Adeleke for expressing appreciation for President Bola Tinubu following his victory. Sani suggested that some opposition figures expected Adeleke to adopt a more confrontational stance toward Tinubu. He argued that Adeleke’s gratitude was understandable if Tinubu had played a role in protecting the governor’s electoral mandate. Sani emphasized that electoral victory involves not only securing votes but also ensuring the collation and declaration processes proceed smoothly. The campaign council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, addressed rumors that Adeleke might defect to the APC. He clarified that the governor’s visit to Tinubu was a courtesy call and a demonstration of respect for the presidency. Olajengbesi stressed that Adeleke remained a member of his political party and that the visit was aimed at appreciating Tinubu for allowing a level playing field during the election. He also highlighted that Adeleke used the meeting to advocate for healing and unity in Osun State after the election. The council ruled out any possibility of Adeleke joining the APC and reiterated that his victory was due to the support of Osun voters and his record in infrastructure and welfare. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, remarked that Adeleke belonged to his political camp while stating that they all belonged to President Tinubu. Wike predicted that the 2027 presidential election would feature extensive political alliances, with more groups aligning with Tinubu. He dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) influenced Adeleke’s victory and asserted that the governor was fully aligned with Tinubu. Wike also criticized former presidential candidate Dele Momodu for his perceived support for the ADC and Adeleke. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo urged Adeleke to continue delivering good governance to the people of Osun. During a surprise visit to Adeleke’s residence, Obasanjo praised the governor’s success and urged him to maintain the path of good governance. Adeleke expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged to remain a loyal servant to the people of Osun. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lifted the freeze on Osun State Government accounts following President Tinubu’s directive. The accounts, which had been restricted during the lead-up to the election, are now operational. The EFCC had initially frozen the accounts as part of an investigation into alleged financial misconduct, but Tinubu’s intervention led to their unfreezing. The Adeleke administration withdrew its legal challenge after the president’s intervention, indicating that the issue would not be a campaign topic moving forward.