Alleged Drug Records: Presidency’s bid to block FBI report heightens suspicion of guilt — APM
APM Calls for Release of FBI Findings on Tinubu, Citing Public Interest
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) is urging U.S. authorities to make public the findings of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report regarding alleged drug trafficking activities connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party claims that attempts to withhold the report are fueling suspicions of guilt and creating concerns over a potential cover-up.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Yusuf Abubakar, the APM argued that the FBI report should not remain completely confidential, particularly if sections of the document do not pose risks to lives or compromise ongoing investigations.
“The APM notes that U.S. authorities can disclose portions of the report that will not jeopardize the safety of witnesses, investigators, or the techniques employed during the investigation,” Abubakar stated.
The party warned that keeping the findings under wraps could have broader implications for Nigeria, extending beyond the political controversies surrounding the presidency.
“By withholding such information, the U.S. authorities could unintentionally harm Nigeria’s security, national integrity, and democratic growth,” the APM added.
Additionally, the APM called for greater transparency from Washington in the global fight against drug trafficking and corruption, emphasizing the international significance of the allegations against Tinubu as he prepares to run for re-election in the 2027 presidential contest.
The party contended that the allegations are damaging Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage, referencing a 1993 forfeiture judgment of $460,000 by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois involving accounts linked to Tinubu due to an investigation into drug-related transactions.
Furthermore, the APM argued that this judgment impacts Tinubu’s eligibility to seek the presidency, citing Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“The effect of the $460,000 forfeiture judgment is such that President Tinubu is rendered ineligible for election in Nigeria under Section 137 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the APM stated.
The party referenced Nigeria’s commitments to international agreements concerning drug trafficking and money laundering, though it did not specify which conventions it was alluding to. With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the APM emphasized the importance of transparency for voters.
“Against the backdrop of the forthcoming presidential election, the APM urges the United States authorities to facilitate Nigerians’ ability to make informed choices regarding their leaders, steering clear of candidates burdened by drug-related allegations and corruption cases,” the party concluded.
