Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to allow the public access to records allegedly held by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning him.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued by his media team on Friday while responding to renewed calls for an investigation into alleged financial offences involving him.
The former Vice President described the allegations, which date back to political controversies during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as attempts by his political opponents to divert attention from the current challenges facing Nigerians.
He argued that the government should be prepared to face scrutiny over issues including rising living costs, food prices, transportation, electricity, education, insecurity and healthcare.
Atiku further alleged that Tinubu had previously taken steps in a United States court to oppose the release of FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration records concerning him, citing privacy concerns.
Using that as the basis for his challenge, Atiku called for lawful records relating to both politicians to be made available so that the allegations against them could be properly examined.
He said Nigerians should be able to determine which political figures are willing to face public scrutiny and which ones seek privacy protections when records concerning them are involved.
The former Vice President’s comments followed a demand by former lawmaker Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigate him over alleged financial crimes.
Atiku dismissed the renewed allegations against him as politically motivated and maintained that his opponents should present evidence to support their claims.
