Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the recent Federal High Court judgment against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a triumph for the rule of law rather than a victory over the anti-graft agency.
This was as he insisted that all public institutions must operate within the confines of the Constitution.
The governor made the assertion in a statewide address on Thursday while reflecting on the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Ibadan, in the suit instituted by the Oyo State Government challenging the EFCC’s sweeping request for state contract documents and financial records spanning many years.
Makinde, who began his address by appreciating residents of the state for their patience, resilience and cooperation during the prolonged captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, assured that his administration was intensifying efforts to strengthen security across vulnerable communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
According to him, the state government has commenced measures to reinforce security architecture around affected communities, improve intelligence gathering and review safety mechanisms for schools considered vulnerable to attacks.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies or through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
Speaking on the court verdict, the governor said the judgment represented a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey because it reaffirmed that investigative agencies, irrespective of their statutory powers, must operate within established legal boundaries.
Makinde recalled that the dispute with the EFCC originated shortly after an interview he granted on Channels Television on April 15, 2025, during which he responded to questions about a possible presidential ambition.
He explained that although he had merely stated that he possessed the capacity to occupy Nigeria’s highest political office, while making it clear that any decision to contest would depend on Nigerians and the position of his political party, the remarks generated political reactions.
The governor noted that on June 1, 2025, following the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election, an APC chieftain publicly warned him against challenging the President, describing such an ambition as futile.
He disclosed that barely 24 hours later, on June 2, 2025, the EFCC addressed a letter to the Oyo State Accountant-General requesting copies of every contract executed by the state government and details of all payments made to contractors from 2021 up to the date of the letter.
Makinde observed in his address that the anti-corruption agency neither identified any contractor nor specified any company, transaction or alleged offence under investigation.
Despite this, he said, the state government did not obstruct the Commission’s work but instead requested clarification by asking the EFCC to identify the specific contractors, companies or transactions it intended to investigate to enable the government provide the required documents.
According to him, the Commission failed to respond, leaving the state government with no option but to approach the court for judicial interpretation.
He maintained that the legal action was never intended to frustrate legitimate anti-corruption investigations but to determine whether any agency possessed the constitutional authority to make blanket demands for several years of government records without identifying the subject of its investigation.
The governor said the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Nkeonye Maha, has now settled that constitutional question.
He explained that while the court affirmed the EFCC’s statutory powers to investigate financial crimes, it equally held that such powers must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the principles of the rule of law.
Makinde noted that the court described the Commission’s request to the Oyo State Government as speculative and tantamount to a “fishing expedition,” ruling that requests for official documents must be reasonable and connected to clearly identifiable allegations.
Although he declined to attribute any motive to the EFCC’s actions, the governor remarked that Nigerians were free to examine the sequence of events surrounding the request and draw their own conclusions.
“I will not speculate about motives. Nigerians can consider the chronology and reach their own conclusions,” he stated.
The governor stressed that no government should be immune from investigation, emphasizing that his administration has never claimed to be above public scrutiny.
He, however, argued that accountability must always be anchored on evidence rather than indiscriminate searches aimed at uncovering possible infractions.
According to him, “An investigation should not begin with a blanket search through years of records in the hope that something incriminating might eventually be found.”
Makinde therefore maintained that the judgment should not be interpreted as a defeat for the EFCC but as a judicial affirmation that powerful institutions must equally submit to constitutional limits.
“This judgment is therefore not a victory against the EFCC. It is a victory for the rule of law and the principle that even powerful institutions must act within legal boundaries,” he declared.
The governor also used the opportunity to address speculations surrounding his presidential ambition, dismissing claims that he entered the race merely to negotiate or eventually withdraw for another aspirant.
He insisted that his decision to seek Nigeria’s highest office was driven by his conviction that Nigerians deserve better governance, stronger democratic institutions and leadership committed to protecting the public interest.
“I did not step forward in order to step down. I am going forward,” Makinde declared.
He said Nigerians deserve institutions that uphold the law rather than political interests, an economy that rewards hard work, communities free from the menace of kidnapping and leaders willing to defend the people’s interests irrespective of political consequences.
Acknowledging the strength of the ruling party’s political machinery, the governor nevertheless expressed confidence that electoral outcomes are ultimately determined by the people rather than political establishments.
He cited Oyo State as evidence that people-centred governance remains achievable, arguing that while his administration does not claim perfection, it has demonstrated an alternative model of leadership anchored on practical governance and accountability.
Makinde however, expressed optimism that his presidential aspiration represents an effort to offer Nigerians a credible alternative, expressing confidence that political dominance can only endure until citizens collectively decide otherwise.
“We have chosen to stand our ground. And we are going forward,” the governor said.