By Opeyemi Adelakun
A United States-based advocacy firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being determined to remain in office ahead of the 2027 general election.
The firm made the allegation in a statement posted on its verified X account on Thursday as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.
It also alleged that the police, courts and electoral institutions were being used to influence the political environment ahead of the 2027 polls.
The firm’s comments followed the controversy surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, who were reportedly wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
The Borno State Police Command, however, has denied that the men were arrested because of their political views. The command said they were arrested during a routine patrol and were allegedly found with substances suspected to be illicit drugs, a shisha pot, scissors and the T-shirts.
Von Batten-Montague-York said the incident underscored the importance of the United States supporting Nigerians in their efforts to protect democracy and the rule of law.
In its statement, the firm alleged that Tinubu had personal reasons for seeking to remain in office, including what it described as head-of-state immunity.
The firm further claimed that the President’s current position could shield him from potential proceedings in foreign jurisdictions.
It also alleged that Tinubu could face renewed scrutiny over allegations relating to heroin trafficking in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s if he leaves office.
Those allegations are claims made by the firm and were not independently established by the reports reviewed.
The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with competing claims from political actors and civil society groups over the state of democratic institutions and political freedoms.
The Borno police, for its part, maintains that its handling of the five suspects was based on alleged criminal conduct and not their political affiliation or viewpoint.
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