Atiku Abubakar

The Nigerian presidency has dismissed concerns over a U.S. court ruling directing the FBI and DEA to release files related to President Bola Tinubu’s past involvement in a 1990s drug trafficking investigation in Chicago. The court order, issued by Judge Beryl Howell, followed FOIA requests by U.S. transparency advocate Aaron Greenspan, seeking information involving Tinubu and three others. While the court ruled that the FBI and DEA must release non-exempt documents, the CIA was permitted to withhold its records.

Reacting, Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, claimed the case contained nothing new, stating the records had been in the public domain for over 30 years and did not indict the president. He stressed that the matter was being exaggerated by the opposition and media.

However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar welcomed the U.S. court’s decision, emphasising that anyone occupying Nigeria’s highest office must be free from scandal. Atiku insisted that if the documents confirm Tinubu’s ineligibility, he should step aside to protect Nigeria’s international image. He underscored the importance of full disclosure regarding Tinubu’s background and academic records, citing the nation’s democratic and moral integrity.

The PDP echoed Atiku’s stance, stating the ruling offers a chance for Nigerians to know the truth about their president. The party urged Tinubu to comply with the order and avoid further legal delays. PDP Deputy Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor praised the U.S. court’s commitment to accountability, contrasting it with the Nigerian judiciary’s perceived reluctance. He challenged Tinubu to clear his name or come clean to the Nigerian people, stating that transparency is vital to democracy and national integrity.