Atiku-Linked US Lobbying Firm Urges Release of Tinubu Records

A United States lobbying firm retained by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has renewed its call for the release of records relating to President Bola Tinubu's past legal matters in the United States. The Washington-based firm said it is engaging U.S. officials, anti-drug organisations and advocacy groups to push for greater transparency regarding historical documents connected to the President.

According to the firm, its campaign centres on making public what it describes as historical records held by U.S. authorities. It said the initiative is aimed at ensuring public access to information and has announced plans to meet with anti-drug organisations and groups representing victims of heroin abuse as part of its advocacy efforts.

The development comes days after a public exchange between the Presidency and Atiku's camp over the lobbying effort. The Presidency has criticised the move, describing it as an attempt to internationalise Nigeria's domestic politics and insisting that the U.S. case involving Tinubu was resolved decades ago without any criminal conviction. Atiku, however, has maintained that transparency, rather than personal attacks, should guide the discussion.

The latest lobbying effort adds another dimension to the growing political rivalry between President Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election, with both sides continuing to defend their positions over the controversy.