The APC Brushes Off Calls for Concern Over Tinubu's FBI Files
Controversial Leadership Figure's Documents to Be Released by FBI, Triggers Mixed Responses Among Critics
Thursday saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissing the mounting speculation regarding the upcoming unveiling of files by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) concerning President Bola Tinubu's past.
The APC labeled critics and opposition figures as "jokers," disregarding their accusations as trivial. Media outlets report that the U.S. court's order on May 2, 2025, demanding the FBI and DEA to disclose the files, which stem from a 1990s drug trafficking investigation, has triggered widespread curiosity.
Amidst this media whirlwind, the Presidency holds that the released documents pose no threats to President Tinubu's reputation. Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that government attorneys are scrutinizing the court's decree.
Onanuga emphasized that the documents' contents are unlikely to reveal any sensational information as the investigation's details have been accessible for over three decades.
The expected release of the documents has stirred a range of responses, particularly from opposition figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, referring to his media representative Paul Ibe, expressed that Nigerians eagerly anticipate the report. Ibe stated, "Nigerians have been eager since the issue was first brought up in 1999 by the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. They now want to see the full report. It's sensible."
The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) also weighed in, with its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, advising caution. Johnson referred to a Yoruba proverb about controlled expectations, stating, "People should read the report before forming opinions. I think many people might be left disappointed-it may not contain anything extraordinary."
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, speaking with Punch, took a more critical view. He cautioned that the release of the FBI files could expose the truth about President Tinubu's past, potentially causing him to lose eligibility for the 2027 elections.
Osadolor added, "The anticipation arises from President Tinubu's endeavors to conceal past investigations. "I hope, for his sake, that the report isn't damning. A conviction would violate the Constitution and disqualify him from contesting the election."
He further emphasized the significance of transparency in leadership and questioned why President Tinubu, who is said to have spent years hiding past investigations, intends to run for re-election in 2027. Osadolor concluded, "Nigerians deserve to know if the President has a spotless, dark, or complicated past. Knowledge of this will shape public perception and determine suitable actions."
In response to the opposition's concerns, the APC's National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, called the criticisms exaggerated. He stated, "The FBI is not part of Nigeria's governmental structure. Many opposition figures are clowns. They are dealing with post-election trauma."
Furthermore, Basiru emphasized that Nigerian laws determine who qualifies to be President, not foreign investigations. "No one can be removed from office unless it's in accordance with the Constitution. "If they want the presidency, they should prepare for 2027 and meet us at the polls. For now, they're just a group of comedians," Basiru concluded.
- Despite calls for concern, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed critics and opposition figures as "jokers" regarding the upcoming FBI files about President Bola Tinubu's past.
- The APC maintains that the expected release of documents from a 1990s drug trafficking investigation will not threaten President Tinubu's reputation.
- Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that government attorneys are reviewing the court's decree regarding the FBI and DEA files.
- The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) advised caution, suggesting that the released documents might not contain anything extraordinary.
- The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed concerns that the release of the FBI files could expose truths that might make President Tinubu ineligible for the 2027 elections.
- The APC's National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, called the opposition's concerns exaggerated, stating that Nigerian laws, not foreign investigations, determine who qualifies to be President.
- News outlets report that the Presidency has stated that the released documents hold no threats to President Tinubu's reputation, and they believe the contents are unlikely to reveal sensational information.
- The anticipated documents stirred responses from opposition figures, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party, with some expressing concerns about transparency in President Tinubu's leadership and his eligibility for the 2027 elections.
