Buratai urges Nigerians reject foreign interference

Former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), published a position paper on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, urging Nigerians to reject foreign interference in the country's affairs. This comes amid a legal case in the United States where a court has reportedly given President Bola Tinubu, the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States — United States Department of Justice until August 28, 2026, to oppose the release of documents linked to alleged drug-trafficking investigations against Tinubu dating back about 33 years. Buratai argued that the possible release of these documents could damage Nigeria's international reputation, economic interests, and sovereignty. He emphasized that the issue is not merely about Tinubu but about 250 million Nigerians, and warned of potential negative impacts on foreign direct investment, development partnerships, diaspora remittances, tourism, and Nigerian businesses operating abroad. He also raised concerns about the timing of any release ahead of the 2027 general elections, suggesting it could give foreign actors unprecedented influence over the outcome. Buratai stressed that his position is not against accountability but that it must be pursued in ways that respect the dignity of the office and the nation. He called on the Federal Government to engage the United States diplomatically and urged Tinubu's legal team to use all available legal arguments to challenge the release. He also recommended strengthening domestic institutions and preparing a communication strategy.