Concerns have been raised over alleged attempts by President Bola Tinubu to prevent the release of records relating to his past by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the 2027 election, and the National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, criticised the reported move, with Obi describing it as embarrassing.
Baba-Ahmed, meanwhile, questioned the simultaneous absence of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country, asking who was currently in charge of governance.
Speaking at the first national summit of opposition political leaders in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed alleged that the president embarked on an emergency overseas trip to forestall the possible release of documents concerning him by the FBI.
He said it was the first time in Nigeria’s history that both a sitting president and his vice president would be outside the country at the same time.
“Who is in charge now?” he queried.
In a post on his X handle, Obi said he was deeply saddened by the direction the country was heading.
The former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate said it was embarrassing for a sitting president to seek the withholding of records relating to matters of legitimate public interest.
Obi said leadership demands the courage and humility to confront one’s past, acknowledge mistakes, provide explanations where necessary and accept responsibility rather than shield uncomfortable aspects of history from public scrutiny.
He added that questions surrounding educational credentials should not remain unresolved, insisting that Nigerians deserve clear, credible and verifiable explanations.
Obi also expressed concern about the example being set for millions of young Nigerians, stressing that the nation’s highest office should embody integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.
He said personal ambition was temporary, while the interests and future of the nation must always come first.
