Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.), has urged Nigerians to unite in defence of the country’s sovereignty and national dignity amid a legal proceeding in the United States concerning the possible release of documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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.”
He argued that the matter should not be treated simply as a personal legal issue involving President Tinubu, but as an issue that could have wider implications for Nigeria’s international reputation and national interests.
According to Buratai, reports about documents allegedly connected to investigations dating back more than three decades could generate negative international publicity and affect how Nigeria and its citizens are perceived globally.
He said the United States District Court for the District of Columbia had scheduled August 28, 2026, for President Tinubu, the FBI and the US Department of Justice to respond to issues concerning the possible release of the documents.
Buratai noted that the FBI’s statement that it possesses “highly sensitive” information and its request for a private judicial review make the case significant. However, he maintained that Nigerians should approach the matter primarily from the perspective of national interest.
> “We are not protecting Tinubu; we are protecting ourselves. We are protecting the millions of hardworking Nigerians who have never been accused of any wrongdoing but who will bear the stigma of this disclosure,” he said.
The former Army chief warned that allegations involving a sitting Nigerian president could affect the perception of Nigerian citizens, businesses and institutions abroad.
He also expressed concern that sensational media reports and social media discussions could overshadow Nigeria’s achievements in business, technology, academia, sports and the creative industries.
Buratai questioned the significance of allegations relating to events said to have occurred about 33 years ago, arguing that individuals and societies can change considerably over such a long period.
He said Tinubu’s subsequent political career and public service should also be considered when assessing his record, rather than allowing allegations from decades ago to define his entire career.
On national sovereignty, Buratai argued that issues concerning the character and conduct of Nigerian political leaders should primarily be addressed through Nigeria’s constitutional and institutional processes.
> “We did not elect an American court to vet our leaders. We did not ask the FBI to determine the character of our president. We have our own processes, our own institutions, and our own standards,” he said.
However, Buratai stressed that his position should not be interpreted as a demand for political leaders to be exempted from accountability.
He said accountability should be pursued through appropriate legal and institutional channels while protecting the dignity of the Nigerian state.
The retired general also warned that the controversy could have economic consequences if it damages Nigeria’s international image. He cited possible effects on foreign investment, international business relations, diaspora engagement, tourism and Nigerian companies operating overseas.
Buratai urged political leaders across party lines to avoid turning the issue into a partisan battle. He said the matter should instead be handled from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest.
He also expressed concern about the timing of the legal proceedings ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying the release of sensitive information involving the incumbent president could influence public debate and the country’s democratic process.
He called for diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, stronger legal representation for President Tinubu, public education about the case, engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora and the development of a communication strategy in preparation for any eventual disclosure.
Buratai further called for stronger Nigerian institutions capable of addressing allegations concerning public office holders through domestic accountability mechanisms.
He urged Nigerians to prepare for all possible outcomes of the court proceedings while maintaining the country’s commitment to national dignity and sovereignty.
Buratai served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.
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