Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has warned that the possible release of old United States records linked to alleged drug trafficking investigations involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could damage Nigeria’s international image and affect the country’s 2027 general election.
Buratai made the warning in a position paper titled Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity, which he published on his verified Facebook page.
The former Army chief said the issue should not be viewed simply as a matter involving Tinubu personally, arguing that the possible release of the records could have wider consequences for Nigeria and its citizens.
The controversy involves allegations and investigations dating back about 33 years. A United States District Court in Washington, DC, has reportedly given Tinubu, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice until August 28, 2026, to respond to moves concerning the release of documents connected to the matter.
Buratai said the international attention surrounding the allegations could create a damaging picture of Nigeria, particularly because foreign audiences may associate allegations involving a sitting Nigerian president with the country itself.
He warned that widespread international media coverage could affect how Nigeria and Nigerians are viewed around the world.
The retired general also raised concerns about possible economic consequences, saying damage to Nigeria’s reputation could affect foreign investment, international business relationships, tourism, Nigerians living abroad and Nigerian companies operating internationally.
According to Buratai, ordinary Nigerians could ultimately suffer the consequences of a controversy involving events that allegedly occurred more than three decades ago.
He questioned the weight that should be placed on allegations dating back 33 years, arguing that people can change significantly over such a long period and that Tinubu’s subsequent political career and years of public service should also be considered.
Buratai also questioned the role of a foreign court in determining the reputation of a sitting Nigerian president.
He argued that Nigeria has its own courts, democratic institutions and constitutional processes for dealing with questions concerning the conduct of its political leaders.
However, the former Army chief stressed that his position should not be interpreted as opposition to accountability.
He said Nigerian leaders should remain accountable, but that such accountability should be pursued through proper legal and institutional channels while Nigeria’s sovereignty and dignity are protected.
Buratai further warned that the timing of the controversy was particularly sensitive because Nigeria is approaching the 2027 general election.
He said the release of sensitive information concerning the incumbent president could become a major political issue and influence public discussion before the election.
The retired general expressed concern that developments originating outside Nigeria could have an unusually strong effect on the country’s political conversation and potentially influence how voters assess the president and his administration.
He urged Nigerians not to allow the issue to deepen political divisions or become a tool for partisan conflict.
Buratai called for political leaders across party lines to put the national interest first and avoid turning the controversy into another source of division.
He also called for diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, stronger legal representation for Tinubu and greater public awareness about the issues surrounding the records.
He urged the government to prepare for any possible release of the documents and develop an effective communication strategy to respond to the international attention that could follow.
The former Army chief also called for stronger Nigerian institutions capable of handling questions about the conduct of political leaders without excessive dependence on foreign institutions.
Buratai maintained that defending Nigeria’s sovereignty should not mean shielding political leaders from scrutiny. Rather, he said Nigeria should protect its national interests while allowing accountability to take place through appropriate legal and democratic processes.
The controversy has gained renewed attention as the reported August 28 deadline approaches in the United States.
The documents at the centre of the dispute relate to allegations and investigations from more than three decades ago. The current reports do not establish that Tinubu was convicted of drug trafficking.
For Buratai, however, the bigger concern is what the possible release of the records could mean for Nigeria’s reputation, economy, political stability and democratic process.
With the 2027 election drawing closer, he believes the controversy could become more than a debate about Tinubu’s past and could turn into an issue capable of shaping political narratives and influencing voters across Nigeria.
