ADC Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release records relating to President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the agency should not rely on claims of “danger to lives” to withhold information that can legally be made public.
The former Vice President made the call following the FBI’s application to a United States District Court in Columbia seeking permission to submit ex parte, in camera declarations to justify its decision to withhold portions of records connected to allegations of drug trafficking involving Tinubu.
In the application dated August 20, the FBI argued that it could not publicly disclose all the reasons for withholding some of the requested information.
Reacting in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku challenged the agency’s explanation, insisting that it should not shield information that is legally releasable.
“The FBI says disclosure could endanger lives. Which lives? Nigerians are already dying,” he said.
Atiku blamed the country’s worsening economic hardship on the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy had triggered increases in transportation costs, food prices and energy expenses, while weakening household incomes and employment opportunities.
“Fuel affects transportation. Transportation affects food prices. Energy affects production. Production affects jobs. All of them determine whether an ordinary Nigerian family can survive until the end of the month,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his campaign promise to restore the fuel subsidy if elected president.
The ADC presidential candidate stressed that his appeal was not a request for the FBI to reveal confidential sources, undercover operatives or sensitive investigative procedures. Instead, he urged the agency to disclose only the information that is legally permissible.
“Protect your agents. Protect your sources. Protect legitimate investigative methods. Redact whatever American law genuinely requires you to redact. But do not stretch those protections until they become a bulletproof vest for Tinubu,” he said.
Atiku maintained that his demand was rooted in democratic accountability rather than interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, arguing that citizens have a right to know relevant information about those occupying public office.
