Atiku-Linked US Lobbyists Give Update on Tinubu’s Alleged Drug Case

A Washington-based lobbying firm engaged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has provided an update on the legal battle surrounding the possible release of United States government records concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., said it had reviewed documents submitted by the US government in the case and alleged that Tinubu personally intervened to oppose the disclosure of records relating to him.

In a statement on Sunday, the lobbying firm said Tinubu and his associates had previously argued that the records remained undisclosed because the US Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation were seeking to protect investigative methods and the safety of individuals.

The firm, however, disputed that explanation, referring to a motion Tinubu reportedly filed in the case on October 23, 2023.

According to the lobbyists, Tinubu argued in the motion that the documents contained private financial and law-enforcement information and cited provisions of the US Freedom of Information Act and privacy protections.

The firm further claimed that Tinubu argued that several US federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Central Intelligence Agency, had not adequately protected his privacy interests in the proceedings.

It said the President subsequently asked the court for 30 days to consult with the federal agencies concerning the records they intended to produce and potentially release publicly.

According to the lobbying firm, the court granted Tinubu’s request to intervene in the case on November 27, 2023.

The latest development adds another layer to the continuing legal dispute over records reportedly sought from US federal agencies in connection with allegations concerning Tinubu dating back more than three decades.

The claims by the Atiku-linked firm remain allegations, and the statement does not by itself establish that Tinubu committed any offence.

The controversy has continued to attract political attention in Nigeria as supporters and opponents of the President debate whether the records should be released and what their contents could mean for his political career.

The development also comes amid growing interest in the case ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with political actors closely monitoring proceedings in the United States.