Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, and National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, have criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports of efforts to prevent the release of some records concerning him by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Obi described the development as embarrassing, while Baba-Ahmed questioned the simultaneous absence of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria.
Speaking at the first national summit of opposition political leaders in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed alleged that Tinubu embarked on an emergency overseas trip amid the controversy over the possible release of documents relating to his past.
He also questioned who was responsible for running the country while both the President and Vice President were outside Nigeria.
“Who is in charge now?” Baba-Ahmed asked, describing the situation as unprecedented in the country’s history.
In a statement shared on his X account, Obi said he was deeply concerned about the direction of the country, describing it as “profoundly embarrassing” for a sitting president to seek to prevent the release of records concerning his past.
According to Obi, leadership requires the courage to confront one’s history, acknowledge mistakes, provide explanations when questions arise and apologise where necessary.
He argued that questions surrounding educational credentials, particularly primary and secondary school records, should be resolved through clear and verifiable explanations rather than primarily through legal proceedings.
“Nigerians deserve clear, credible, and verifiable explanations,” Obi said, stressing that the nation’s highest office should set an example of integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.
He added that having an imperfect past was part of being human, but leaders should be willing to confront difficult questions honestly, make amends where necessary and put the interests of the country above personal ambition.
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