ABUJA – Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has opposed calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, insisting that the anti-graft agency must be allowed to operate independently.
Reacting to reports surrounding the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts, Adebayo said any aggrieved party should seek redress in court instead of demanding the removal of the EFCC chairman.
According to him, the commission is a statutory institution established to fight corruption and should not be subjected to political pressure.
“If the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts was done wrongly, the proper thing is to challenge it in court. That is what the rule of law demands,” he said.
The SDP standard-bearer stressed that the EFCC operates within the law and under judicial supervision, adding that anyone dissatisfied with its actions has the constitutional right to seek legal remedy.
He maintained that democratic institutions must be respected and allowed to perform their constitutional duties without interference.
Adebayo said the SDP has always embraced due process whenever it disagreed with actions taken by law enforcement agencies, choosing the courts over political agitation.
He assured Nigerians that an SDP-led administration would strengthen the independence of anti-corruption agencies while ensuring they remain accountable to the law.
On the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Catholic bishops, Adebayo described the engagement as a positive step, saying regular dialogue between government and religious leaders would promote peace, unity and national development.
He also described Northern Nigeria as a major asset to the country, noting that the region’s vast human and natural resources could drive economic growth if properly harnessed.
According to him, Nigeria’s biggest challenge is not regional differences but poor leadership and weak governance.
Speaking on talks about presenting a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, Adebayo said Nigerians should focus on electing competent leaders capable of solving the country’s problems rather than political calculations.
He urged leaders and citizens alike to work together to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and promote good governance for the benefit of all Nigerians.
