2027: Alfindiki tackles Atiku over Tinubu’s FBI records

2027: Alfindiki tackles Atiku over Tinubu’s FBI records

Former Chairman of Kano Municipal Local Government, Hon. Faizu Alfindiki, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his renewed demand for the release of FBI records concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as politically motivated.

Alfindiki questioned the timing of Atiku’s demand, suggesting that the renewed focus on the Tinubu FBI records could be part of a broader political strategy as activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku recently renewed his call for the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release records concerning Tinubu, following the agency’s request for permission to provide a confidential explanation to a US federal court over why some of the requested documents remain withheld.

The FBI, in its latest filing before the US District Court for the District of Columbia, asked to submit an ex parte, in camera declaration explaining privately to the judge why certain records could not be publicly released.

The agency argued that revealing the information could expose sensitive law-enforcement techniques or information that could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of an individual.

The development is part of a long-running Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case involving requests for records from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other US agencies relating to historical investigations involving Tinubu.

A US federal judge had previously ordered the agencies to search for and process records that were not exempt from disclosure, after rejecting attempts by the agencies to neither confirm nor deny the existence of some records.

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The case has attracted significant attention in Nigeria because some of the requested documents relate to a 1990s investigation in Chicago and a 1993 US civil forfeiture proceeding involving approximately $460,000 from accounts associated with Tinubu.

However, the existence of the FOIA case does not amount to a criminal conviction or judicial finding that Tinubu committed drug trafficking. Tinubu has consistently denied wrongdoing, while the US proceedings have largely centred on access to government records and the application of American disclosure laws.

Atiku has argued that information that can legally be released should be made available to the public, while sensitive material involving confidential sources, investigative methods or legitimate security concerns can be protected through appropriate redactions.

Alfindiki, however, said allegations concerning Tinubu’s background, credentials and other personal records should be addressed through courts and relevant investigative institutions, rather than being turned into political campaign issues.

“If Atiku believes there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, he should allow the courts and appropriate institutions to examine the evidence. Political attacks and demands for selective disclosure cannot replace due process,” Alfindiki said.

He urged Nigerians to distinguish between allegations and established facts, arguing that controversies surrounding Tinubu’s credentials and background have already been subjected to considerable legal and political scrutiny.

According to him, political arguments should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than attempts to turn records held by foreign institutions into instruments of domestic political contestation.

“The Nigerian people deserve facts, not speculation. If there are documents that are lawfully available, let them be examined transparently. But nobody should pronounce a person guilty merely because an allegation has been made,” he said.

Alfindiki also urged Nigerians to focus on governance, economic growth, security and national cohesion as political parties prepare for the 2027 election.

He said political contests should focus on competing policies, ideas and records of performance rather than allegations that have not been conclusively established by a court or competent authority.

“Atiku is free to challenge President Tinubu politically and legally, but Nigerians should not be misled into treating allegations as convictions. The standard must be evidence and due process,” Alfindiki added.

The dispute comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 Nigerian presidential election gather momentum, with Tinubu seeking another term and Atiku preparing to contest under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The controversy surrounding the FBI records on Tinubu is likely to remain politically significant as the US court considers the government’s request to keep some information confidential while determining what records can lawfully be released.

For now, the dispute remains centred on access to government records and the competing political interpretations of the information sought. The allegations contained in or arising from the records should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through appropriate legal processes.

2027: Alfindiki tackles Atiku over Tinubu’s FBI records