Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release records concerning President Bola Tinubu that can legally be made public.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following the FBI’s request to submit confidential explanations for withholding some records relating to investigations involving Tinubu.
Atiku Challenges FBI Over Withheld Records
The FBI had approached a US District Court in the District of Columbia seeking permission to submit declarations ex parte and in camera, meaning the explanations would be presented privately to the judge.
In its August 20 application, the agency argued that publicly disclosing the full reasons for withholding certain records could expose sensitive information and potentially endanger individuals.
Atiku, however, said the FBI could protect sensitive information while releasing documents that are legally available for public scrutiny.
He urged the agency to safeguard its investigators, confidential sources and legitimate investigative methods, while redacting information that US law requires to remain private.
‘Don’t Shield Tinubu From Lawful Scrutiny’
The former vice president cautioned that such protections should not be used to prevent legitimate public scrutiny of Tinubu.
“The FBI says disclosure could endanger lives, but Nigerians are already suffering and dying as a result of the hardship caused by the Tinubu administration’s economic policies,” Atiku said.
He linked the economic hardship to the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that higher fuel costs had contributed to increased transportation expenses, rising food prices and pressure on businesses and employment.
“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.
Atiku Says Nigerians Have Right to Information
Atiku stressed that his request was not for the FBI to reveal undercover officers, confidential informants or sensitive investigative techniques.
Instead, he said the agency should release information that American law permits to be disclosed, while properly redacting material that requires protection.
“This is not an attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s politics. It is a humanitarian and democratic appeal because Nigerians have the right to access information that can legitimately be made public about those who exercise enormous power over their lives,” Atiku said.
He maintained that Nigerians should have access to relevant information concerning the background and character of political leaders, particularly individuals exercising significant authority over the country.
Atiku urged the FBI to distinguish between information that genuinely requires protection and records that could be released without compromising legitimate investigations.
