Don’t Protect the Truth From Nigerians, Atiku Tells FBI over Tinubu’s Case
Don’t Protect the Truth From Nigerians, Atiku Tells FBI over Tinubu’s Case
Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to make public any documents concerning President Bola Tinubu that are not legally protected, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know the truth.
Atiku’s appeal follows a recent development in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where Judge Beryl Howell gave the FBI, Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Tinubu until August 28, 2026, to oppose the release of documents reportedly connected to an investigation involving the Nigerian president.
The court had permitted the FBI to submit the documents for private review before determining whether they could be released publicly.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said the FBI should not shield information from Nigerians under the guise of protecting sensitive material, stressing that legitimate national security or privacy concerns should be respected but should not become a blanket justification for withholding information.
The former vice president’s position comes amid renewed controversy over documents reportedly relating to an alleged past drug-trafficking investigation involving Tinubu.
The matter has attracted significant political attention in Nigeria because Tinubu is expected to seek re-election in 2027, while Atiku remains one of the leading opposition figures challenging the administration.
The court’s decision means the FBI and other parties must now present their arguments against disclosure before the August 28 deadline. Judge Howell is expected to examine the documents privately before deciding whether they, or portions of them, can be released.
The controversy has also revived questions surrounding claims made about Tinubu’s past in the United States. However, allegations concerning criminal activity or informant status remain allegations unless established by competent authorities or a court.
Atiku has maintained that transparency is essential, arguing that Nigerians should not be denied access to information that the law permits to be disclosed.
The latest development is expected to intensify political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election as Nigerians await the court’s eventual decision on the controversial documents.
