Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Presidency over its response to renewed public discussions surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s alleged links to a decades-old narcotics case in the United States, accusing the administration of attempting to shield the matter from further scrutiny.
In a statement issued on Thursday through his media office, Atiku described as “reckless and shameful” a recent response by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who had stated that the issue had long been settled.
According to Atiku, the Presidency’s position amounted to an admission that President Tinubu was previously investigated in connection with narcotics trafficking, arguing that claiming the matter had been resolved did not erase public interest or questions surrounding the case.
He maintained that presidential immunity does not prevent fresh investigations where new circumstances arise, insisting that criminal matters can be revisited if deemed necessary by the appropriate authorities.
Questioning the government’s reaction to renewed attention on the case, Atiku asked why the Presidency appeared opposed to efforts aimed at reviewing records allegedly linked to the President in the United States.
He argued that if there was nothing to conceal, there should be no resistance to greater transparency.
The former vice president also said the Office of the President demands the highest level of integrity, noting that allegations involving its occupant could affect Nigeria’s international reputation. He added that ensuring accountability was in the national interest rather than a political attack.
Atiku further pointed to the change in political leadership in the United States since the matter first gained attention, saying it was the responsibility of relevant law enforcement agencies to determine whether any fresh review was warranted.
He urged President Tinubu to cooperate with any legitimate process if the allegations had no basis, rather than, in his view, relying on legal challenges or public statements to discourage further scrutiny.
The Presidency has consistently maintained that the matter was resolved decades ago and has rejected attempts to revive the controversy, insisting that the allegations have no bearing on President Tinubu’s mandate or legitimacy.
