Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has urged Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs amid moves to release United States documents allegedly linked to drug-trafficking investigations involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more than three decades ago.

Buratai made the call in a position paper titled “Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity – A Patriotic and Non-Partisan Perspective,” which he shared on his verified Facebook page on Sunday.

The retired general said the controversy surrounding the President should not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, international reputation or economic interests.

His intervention followed reports that a United States District Court for the District of Columbia gave Tinubu, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice until August 28, 2026, to oppose the release of the documents.

Buratai argued that the matter had moved beyond Tinubu as an individual, insisting that any international fallout from the controversy could affect the country and its citizens.

“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 said.

He argued that international headlines linking a sitting Nigerian President to decades-old drug allegations could lead outsiders to associate the allegations with Nigeria as a whole.

“When the world reads headlines about a ‘Nigerian president’ linked to drug allegations, they do not separate the man from the nation. They see Nigeria. They see Nigerians,” he added.

‘Can Nigerians be judged by actions 33 years ago?’

The former Army chief said the allegations, which date back approximately 33 years, should be considered within the historical context in which they allegedly occurred rather than being used to define Tinubu’s entire political career.

He questioned whether it was reasonable to judge an individual solely by alleged conduct from decades earlier, particularly after subsequent years in public office.

“Can any Nigerian honestly claim that they are the same person they were 33 years ago? Can any nation claim that its leaders should be judged exclusively by the actions of their youth rather than by their decades of subsequent service?” Buratai asked.

He also questioned the propriety of a foreign court determining issues relating to the reputation of a sitting Nigerian President.

“Does the United States have the right to determine the reputation of Nigeria’s head of state? Should a foreign court be the arbiter of character for a man elected by millions of Nigerians?” he asked.

“We did not elect an American court to vet our leaders. We did not ask the FBI to determine the character of our president.”

Warns of economic, political consequences

Buratai called on politicians across party lines to avoid turning the controversy into another partisan battle, arguing that national interest should take precedence over political affiliations.

He warned that the release of the documents could have economic consequences if international investors interpret the controversy as evidence of political instability.

According to him, foreign direct investment, development partnerships, diaspora remittances, tourism and the overseas operations of Nigerian businesses could all be affected.

“These are not abstract concerns; they are concrete threats to the livelihoods of everyday Nigerians,” he said.

The retired general further linked the controversy to the 2027 general election, warning that the timing of any disclosure could give foreign actors what he described as “an unprecedented influence over the outcome of Nigerian elections.”

‘Accountability should not be compromised’

Buratai, however, stressed that his position should not be interpreted as a demand for immunity for political leaders.

“This does not mean that leaders should be immune from accountability. It means that accountability must be pursued in ways that respect the dignity of the office and the nation,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with the United States and called on Tinubu’s legal team to deploy every available legal avenue to challenge the release of the documents.

He also advocated greater public enlightenment, diaspora engagement and a coordinated communication strategy should the court eventually order disclosure.

According to him, Nigeria must simultaneously strengthen its domestic institutions so that questions concerning the conduct and accountability of political leaders can be addressed through credible national mechanisms.

“We will not allow foreign courts to determine our leaders’ legacies. We will not allow foreign legal proceedings to dictate our national narrative. We will not sacrifice 250 million people on the altar of a 33-year-old case,” Buratai said.