Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has urged Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign interference over allegations involving President Bola Tinubu that date back more than three decades.
In a position paper titled “Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity,” Buratai argued that the controversy surrounding the alleged drug investigations should not be allowed to damage Nigeria’s international image or sovereignty.
A US federal court has given Tinubu, the FBI and the US Department of Justice until August 28, 2026, to oppose the release of documents connected to the investigations.
Buratai questioned whether a foreign court should determine the reputation of Nigeria’s sitting president, arguing that accountability should be handled through Nigeria’s own democratic and judicial institutions.
He also warned that the controversy could affect foreign investment, tourism, diaspora remittances and Nigeria’s international reputation, while potentially influencing the country’s 2027 elections.
However, Buratai stressed that his position should not be interpreted as shielding political leaders from accountability. He called for the matter to be addressed through legal and diplomatic channels.
“This is not about defending Tinubu the individual; it is about defending Nigeria,” Buratai said.