The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called for strict adherence to the rule of law in handling issues involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking on reports that the Osun State Government’s bank accounts were frozen, during a news conference in Abuja, Prince Adebayo said he does not support calls for the resignation of EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede.

He said the EFCC should be allowed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities independently, without political interference.

According to him, if the freezing of the Osun state accounts was wrongful, the state government should seek redress through the courts rather than political channels.

Adebayo explained that the EFCC operates within the law and under judicial supervision, adding that affected parties have the right to challenge the agency’s actions in court.

He stressed that democratic institutions should be respected and allowed to perform their duties in line with the Constitution.

The SDP presidential candidate said his party has consistently supported due process, choosing legal action whenever it disagreed with the actions of law enforcement agencies.

He added that an SDP-led government would strengthen the independence of anti-corruption agencies and uphold the rule of law.

“I don’t have enough evidence to suggest that the EFCC chairman should resign. Because EFCC is a very difficult place to work. And from my own personal assessment of Olukayode, the EFCC chairman, I think that he wants to do his job. And I’ve always supported, right from the time of Nuhu Ribadu, up to the only lady that has ever been EFCC chairman, down to the present one. 

“I’ve always supported law enforcement. So I’m not a politician that will criticize IG of police, EFCC chairman, DG DSS, because those are difficult jobs to do under a very bad government. So the buck stops at the table of the President. 

“The law is clear on how to get it right. If EFCC wrongly froze the account of Osun State Government, there are legal remedies that could be taken to unfreeze, including getting damages against EFCC,”  Adebayo said.

“On the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Catholic bishops, Adebayo said dialogue between government and religious leaders was important for national development.

He encouraged religious leaders to continue offering constructive advice and prayers for the country’s peace, unity and progress.

Speaking on Northern Nigeria, Adebayo described the region as a major national asset with vast human and natural resources capable of driving economic growth.

He said Nigeria’s development challenges are largely linked to leadership and governance, rather than regional differences.

On discussions about a possible single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, Adebayo said Nigerians should focus on electing capable leaders through a credible democratic process.

He also urged political leaders and citizens to work together to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance in the interest of national development.