The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has asked the United States authorities to make public the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report relating to allegations surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that Nigerians should have access to relevant information before deciding who will lead the country in 2027.
The opposition party said the demand was premised on the need to ensure that the forthcoming presidential election is conducted against the backdrop of adequate information about the records of the candidates seeking the nation’s highest political office.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubakar, the APM said disclosure of the report, with sensitive information appropriately redacted, would help Nigerians assess issues that have remained subjects of public debate.
The party maintained that information capable of influencing voters’ assessment of a presidential candidate should not remain unnecessarily inaccessible, particularly when such information relates to allegations of drug trafficking, financial transactions and other matters of public interest.
It said the United States could protect witnesses, investigative methods and other sensitive details without withholding the substance of the report from the public.
According to the APM, “Nigerians deserve transparency” on issues concerning the background and record of anyone seeking to occupy the presidency, stressing that access to credible information was essential to meaningful democratic choice.
The party alleged that attempts by the administration to prevent the report from being made public had, rather than resolving the controversy, contributed to continued public suspicion.
It argued that the matter should not be viewed solely through the prism of partisan politics, saying allegations concerning financial crimes, drug trafficking and money laundering have implications for Nigeria’s international reputation and its commitments under relevant global conventions.
The APM also drew attention to a 1993 forfeiture proceeding in the United States involving $460,000, which it said was linked to accounts associated with Tinubu following an investigation into alleged drug-related transactions.
It further contended that the forfeiture matter raises questions that deserve public scrutiny in relation to the constitutional provisions governing eligibility to contest presidential elections, particularly Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The opposition party stressed, however, that its demand for disclosure did not require the release of information capable of jeopardising lives or compromising legitimate investigative interests.
“Where necessary, sensitive portions can be redacted to protect witnesses, investigative techniques and other confidential interests,” the APM said, insisting that such safeguards should not become a blanket justification for withholding information of legitimate public interest.
It urged the United States, which it described as a major democratic partner of Nigeria, to support transparency and accountability by allowing Nigerians access to relevant information concerning allegations involving public officials.
The party said the controversy had continued to attract international attention and could have consequences for Nigeria’s standing abroad, particularly in the areas of anti-corruption, financial transparency and the fight against illicit drug trade.
With the 2027 presidential election drawing closer, the APM said Nigerian voters should be allowed to make their choices on the basis of facts and verifiable records rather than speculation, partisan narratives or information withheld from public scrutiny.
It therefore renewed its call for the FBI report to be released, subject to legitimate redactions, saying greater openness would strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and enable Nigerians to make a more informed decision about the leadership of the country.
