Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned the United States against releasing documents allegedly linked to past drug trafficking investigations involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying such a move could amount to foreign interference in Nigeria’s affairs and influence the 2027 elections.
Buratai made the remarks in a paper titled “Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity – A Patriotic and Non-Partisan Perspective,” published on his verified Facebook page.
He argued that the controversy should not be viewed solely as an issue concerning Tinubu, stressing that its implications could extend to the country’s image, sovereignty and political stability.
“This is not merely about Bola Tinubu; it is about 250 million Nigerians whose national pride, economic prospects, and global standing hang in the balance,” he stated.
Buratai questioned why an issue dating back about 33 years was being revived, particularly if it could be used for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections. He also argued that Nigeria’s democratic and legal institutions should be allowed to handle allegations involving its leaders.
He warned that releasing the documents before the 2027 polls could give foreign actors undue influence over Nigeria’s electoral process and undermine the country’s political sovereignty.
However, Buratai clarified that defending national sovereignty should not be interpreted as shielding leaders from accountability, maintaining that allegations can still be investigated while respecting the dignity of the office and the nation.