Osun: Before algorithms, vices kidnap the polls

Osun State is facing a charged political atmosphere ahead of its governorship election, marked by inter-party clashes and accusations of electoral manipulation. The Yoruba axiom, "he who buys a mandate with silver will surely recover his investment with gold," reflects the transactional nature of Nigerian politics, where democracy is often reduced to a contest of inducements and intimidation rather than free will.

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The Yoruba axiom, bi a ba fi owo ra ibo, a fi owo gba ijoba – he who buys a mandate with silver will surely recover his investment with gold – is not merely a moral injunction. It is the algebra of Nigerian politics, a grim arithmetic in which democracy is reduced to transaction.

The situation intensified when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) directed First Bank Plc to freeze Osun State's statutory allocation account. The commission cited an investigation into alleged diversion of N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and FAAC allocations, alongside suspicious withdrawals totaling over N14 billion within 48 hours. Governor Ademola Adeleke denounced the action as unconstitutional and politically motivated, with his administration filing a lawsuit arguing the freeze violated constitutional provisions governing state finances.

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Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated, insisting EFCC cannot paralyse governance days before an election.

The EFCC countered that its probe predates the election and is routine, referencing relevant acts. However, legal experts note that such actions typically require judicial authorization beyond a short stop order, and past instances show EFCC actions being reversed under pressure or restrained by courts. President Bola Tinubu's swift reversal of the embargo was interpreted not just as an executive intervention but as a crucial reminder for the EFCC to operate impartially and avoid appearing to conform to political whims.

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President Bola Tinubu’s swift reversal of the embargo was therefore not merely an executive intervention; it was commendably suspicious – a reminder that EFCC must not conduct itself as a partisan outfit or appear to conform to the whims of the party at the centre.

Critics argue that allowing such actions without consequence sets a dangerous precedent for a fragile democracy, suggesting institutions can be weaponized without accountability. The EFCC's "preposterous timing" and alleged lack of due process are seen as particularly damaging. The article also notes unaddressed allegations of lawlessness at Governor Adeleke's lodge during a recent visit by the Inspector General of Police, questioning the consistency of investigations and adherence to due process across different incidents.

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If EFCC’s actions go unpunished, as in Benue and Oyo, then the lesson learned is that institutions can be weaponised without consequence.