The Accord Party has called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, following the controversy surrounding the freezing of Osun State Government accounts. The party made the demand on Friday during a press briefing held at its national secretariat in Abuja.
The party’s National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, praised President Bola Tinubu for directing the anti-graft agency to reverse the action and restore access to the state’s accounts. He described the President’s intervention as a move that came at the right time.
Mgbudem, however, said Accord had lost confidence in the leadership of the EFCC, accusing the commission of taking sides in the political affairs of Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party chairman said the EFCC’s action had created concerns about the neutrality of government institutions involved in the electoral process. He called on Olukoyede to step down, adding that if the EFCC chairman refused to resign, President Tinubu should remove him from office.
Accord also urged security agencies, electoral bodies and other institutions involved in the Osun election to remain independent and operate according to their legal responsibilities. The party warned against using government agencies to influence political contests or intimidate opponents.
Mgbudem called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the Osun governorship election is free, fair and credible. He urged INEC to properly prepare election materials and ensure that all necessary systems are tested before the poll.
The party also appealed to election observers, civil society groups, the media, professional bodies and opposition parties to monitor the process and speak against actions that could affect public confidence in the election.
In addition, Accord asked President Tinubu and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to release 60 party members it claimed were being held in Abuja, Osun and Nasarawa states. The party said freeing the detained members would help reduce tension ahead of the election.
The controversy began after the EFCC placed restrictions on Osun State Government accounts, a move that attracted criticism from political groups. The commission had defended its action, stating that it had legal powers to restrict accounts suspected of being connected to financial offences.
President Tinubu later directed the EFCC to return to court and withdraw the order affecting the state government accounts, following concerns raised over the development.