Ondo Gubernatorial Candidate Akinterinwa Refutes EFCC Detention Claims, Confirms He Is at Home

Over the past weekend, Wale Akinterinwa was one of the 16 contenders vying for the Ondo State governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

His participation in this political contest was overshadowed by media reports suggesting his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to allegations of financial mismanagement during his tenure as the Commissioner for Finance in the administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

According to these reports, Akinterinwa had been under investigation by the EFCC for allegedly mishandling billions of Naira and was purportedly barred from participating in the APC primary election from a detention setting. Sources cited by the media claimed that the EFCC had invited Akinterinwa weeks prior for questioning regarding the allegations, but he had been "too busy" to respond to the invitation.

In response to these allegations, Akinterinwa made an appearance on a local radio program in Akure on Monday, vehemently denying the claims of his detention. He expressed shock at the reports, clarifying that he was neither in custody nor had he been detained at any point. Akinterinwa suggested that these rumors were strategically disseminated by his political adversaries who perceived him as a significant threat to their ambitions.

“It came to me as a surprise myself. I am not in EFCC custody,” Akinterinwa stated emphatically. He elaborated on his recent activities, noting, “It’s absurd to say I am in EFCC custody for the past 5 or 6 days when, in actual fact, I have been in Akure preparing for the election that was meant to take place but never occurred on Saturday. As we speak, I am in my house.”

"The former finance commissioner also reflected on his reputation and the potential motivations behind these allegations, indicating that the false reports could be an attempt by his opponents to tarnish his public image and political prospects. “I was surprised to read it on the front of a newspaper today that I am in EFCC custody. I will just say that some people are afraid of my brand and they will not stop at anything to ensure that they destroy that brand. But it will not happen by the grace of God; he added, underscoring his resolve to continue his political journey despite the challenges.