Obi, Baba-Ahmed tackle Tinubu over withholding of past records
Obi, Baba-Ahmed Criticize Tinubu Over Allegations of Withholding Records
By Clifford Ndujihe and Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA—Peter Obi, the presidential candidate representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, and Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), have publicly challenged President Bola Tinubu regarding allegations that he is attempting to prevent the release of his past records by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
During a national summit for opposition political leaders on Monday, Obi expressed his concerns over what he called an “embarrassing” situation, while Baba-Ahmed raised questions about the implications of both the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima being out of the country simultaneously.
Baba-Ahmed asserted that this marked the first instance in Nigeria’s history of a sitting president and vice president being absent from the nation at the same time, asking, “Who is in charge now?” He suggested that Tinubu’s overseas trip may have been an emergency measure to prevent the release of documents related to him.
Obi took to social media to voice his disappointment about the current state of the nation, stating, “It is profoundly embarrassing that we have reached a point where a sitting President is asking a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past, particularly records relating to matters of legitimate public interest.”
He emphasized the need for leaders to face their past with honesty and humility, arguing that accepting responsibility enhances true authority rather than diminishing it. Obi called for transparent explanations concerning educational credentials and other past matters, insisting that Nigerians deserve clear and verifiable information.
“My deepest concern is the example this sets for more than 200 million Nigerians, particularly the over 30 million young people in schools,” he wrote. “The nation’s highest office should exemplify integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.”
Obi concluded by urging the political class to recognize that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation’s enduring interests should always take precedence.
The discussions at the summit highlight ongoing concerns surrounding governance, accountability, and transparency among Nigeria’s political leaders.
