Buratai Urges Nigerians to Resist Foreign Scrutiny Over 33-Year-Old Allegations Against Tinubu

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has urged Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign interference in the country’s affairs amid moves to release documents allegedly linked to drug-trafficking investigations involving President Bola Tinubu more than three decades ago.

Buratai made the call in a position paper titled “Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity: A Patriotic and Non-Partisan Perspective,” which he shared on Sunday.

The former Army chief argued that the controversy surrounding Tinubu should not be allowed to damage Nigeria’s international reputation or undermine the country’s sovereignty.

A United States District Court for the District of Columbia has reportedly given Tinubu, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice until August 28, 2026, to oppose the release of documents relating to the alleged investigations.

Buratai said the issue had gone beyond the President’s personality, arguing that any disclosure could have wider implications for Nigeria and its citizens.

He said the allegations, which date back about 33 years, should be viewed within the context of the period in which they allegedly occurred rather than being used to define Tinubu’s entire political career.

Buratai questioned whether any Nigerian could reasonably be judged solely by events from more than three decades ago, stressing that Tinubu’s subsequent political career and public service should also be considered.

The retired general also raised concerns about the role of foreign institutions in assessing the character of a sitting Nigerian President.

He argued that Nigeria has its own democratic institutions and legal processes through which questions surrounding its leaders should be addressed.

Buratai said the controversy could also have economic implications if international investors interpret the allegations as evidence of political instability.

He identified foreign direct investment, international development partnerships, diaspora remittances, tourism and Nigerian businesses operating abroad as areas that could potentially be affected by reputational concerns.

The former Army chief further linked the matter to the 2027 general election, warning that the timing of any document release could influence public opinion and potentially give foreign actors greater influence over Nigeria’s democratic process.

He, however, clarified that defending national sovereignty should not mean shielding political leaders from accountability.

According to him, accountability should be pursued through processes that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and the dignity of the country’s highest political office.

Buratai urged the Federal Government to engage the United States through diplomatic channels and called on Tinubu’s legal team to explore every available legal avenue to challenge the release of sensitive documents.

He also called for greater national solidarity and stronger domestic institutions capable of addressing questions concerning the conduct and accountability of Nigerian leaders.

Buratai stressed that his position was not an unconditional defence of Tinubu, but a call to protect Nigeria’s national interest.

“This is not about defending Tinubu the individual; it is about defending Nigeria,” he said.