Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to make available any lawfully releasable information concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that Nigerians are already paying a heavy price amid worsening security and economic challenges.
Atiku made the call while reacting to the FBI’s position on the disclosure of records connected to investigations involving the Nigerian president.
According to Atiku, concerns about the potential consequences of releasing sensitive information should not become a blanket justification for withholding records that can legally be disclosed to the public.
He argued that the issue goes beyond political rivalry, stressing that Nigerians have a legitimate interest in information concerning individuals who occupy positions of significant public responsibility.
Atiku, who is seeking to challenge President Tinubu politically ahead of the 2027 general elections, has repeatedly criticised the administration over insecurity, inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the country’s security situation remains a major concern, with communities across parts of Nigeria continuing to face threats from terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime.
The former vice president also faulted some of the administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the resulting increase in transportation and living costs has placed additional pressure on households and businesses.
Atiku said Nigerians should not be denied access to information that could help them better understand issues surrounding the country’s political leadership.
He, however, clarified that his appeal was not for the FBI to disclose information that could compromise ongoing investigations, expose confidential sources or endanger law-enforcement operations.
Rather, he urged the agency to release whatever records could legally be made public, particularly information considered to be in the public interest.
The development comes amid continued political debate over the FBI’s handling of records relating to Tinubu and the broader questions surrounding transparency and accountability in public office.
Atiku’s intervention is expected to further intensify the political debate surrounding the Tinubu administration as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
The former vice president has positioned economic hardship, insecurity and accountability as key issues in his criticism of the Federal Government, while the Tinubu administration has continued to defend its reforms as necessary measures aimed at restructuring the Nigerian economy and improving long-term growth.
The controversy over the FBI records is therefore likely to remain part of Nigeria’s wider political discourse, particularly as opposition figures continue to demand greater transparency from institutions involved in matters concerning public officials.
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