Makinde Rallies Behind Adeleke, Accuses Tinubu’s Government of Using Federal Agencies to Intimidate Opposition States
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has openly declared his support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, while accusing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using federal institutions to undermine opposition-controlled states. Makinde argued that the selective deployment of anti-corruption agencies against political opponents poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.
In a strongly worded statement contained in his latest newsletter, the Oyo governor expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of federal agencies to interfere with governance in states led by opposition parties. According to him, while public office holders and governments should always be subject to scrutiny and accountability, such oversight must be conducted fairly, lawfully, and without political bias.
Makinde specifically criticised what he described as the freezing of an official Osun State Government account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arguing that the action raises serious constitutional and legal questions. He maintained that the anti-graft agency should not exercise powers beyond those granted to it under Nigerian law, stressing that any restriction on a government account must follow due legal process and judicial authorisation.
The governor further suggested that the timing of the action was difficult to ignore, coming just as Osun State prepares for its forthcoming governorship election. He argued that the development could be perceived as an attempt to influence the political environment ahead of the poll, warning that such actions undermine confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The increasing use of federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition states is condemnable,” Makinde stated. He added that although no government should be exempt from investigation where credible allegations exist, investigations must never become instruments for targeting selected political opponents.
According to him, when agencies such as the EFCC are perceived to focus disproportionately on opposition-controlled states or particular public office holders while similar allegations elsewhere receive less attention, public confidence in the impartiality of those institutions inevitably declines. He warned that selective enforcement weakens the credibility of anti-corruption efforts and erodes citizens’ trust in public institutions.
Makinde therefore called on all federal institutions to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities by operating with fairness, professionalism, independence and political neutrality at all times. He stressed that agencies created to uphold accountability must never be viewed as tools for political intimidation or partisan interests.
The Oyo governor also appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations, democratic stakeholders and the international community to remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s democratic institutions. According to him, democracy cannot flourish where citizens believe that public institutions are being weaponised against political opponents.
He emphasised that preserving the independence and credibility of institutions such as the EFCC is essential to sustaining public confidence in governance and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system. Makinde argued that respect for constitutional principles and due process remains the foundation of any functional democracy.
“The rule of law must prevail over the rule of politics,” he declared, insisting that justice should be administered without fear or favour regardless of political affiliation.
Makinde’s remarks come amid heightened political tension in Osun State as campaigns intensify ahead of the state’s governorship election. Governor Ademola Adeleke has repeatedly accused opposition figures of attempting to influence the electoral process, while political parties continue to exchange allegations over governance and accountability.
The comments have further intensified the national debate over the independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and law enforcement institutions, with critics and supporters offering differing interpretations of the recent developments. While Makinde insists that accountability must never be selective, federal authorities have consistently maintained that anti-corruption agencies operate within the law and without political interference.
