Why Tinubu Should Withdraw From 2027 Presidential Race – APM

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, arguing that Nigeria deserves a president who is free from allegations of fraud, corruption and dishonesty.

The party said it was confident that the United States judicial system would uphold its reputation for integrity, transparency and independence by determining the narcotics-related case linked to Tinubu strictly in accordance with the law and available evidence.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubakar, the APM said Tinubu’s alleged attempt to prevent the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from releasing documents in the case had raised questions about his concerns over the possible disclosure of the records.

The party referred to an alleged plea by Tinubu before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on August 28, 2026, seeking to block a summary judgment and prevent the release of documents allegedly linking him to narcotics trafficking.

According to the APM, the legal move “further confirms his fear of conviction,” while the alleged efforts by the president’s lawyers to stall the case and prevent the release of evidence amounted, in the party’s view, to an admission of guilt.

“If, indeed, President Tinubu’s lawyers were convinced of his innocence, they should have boldly used this case as an opportunity to help their client clear his name once and for all, rather than seeking to suppress evidence,” the party said.

The APM argued that Tinubu’s reliance on privacy concerns and the possible impact of the release of the documents on Nigerian politics, particularly the 2027 presidential election, demonstrated that the president was troubled by the implications of Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The party cited Section 137(1)(d), which provides that a person shall not be qualified for election to the office of president if “he… is under a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called).”

It added that Nigeria was a signatory to the three major international treaties on drug and narcotic control.

The party said it remained optimistic that the U.S. court would determine the matter based solely on the law and evidence presented before it.

“As a party, we insist that no individual, regardless of their political position, should be beyond the reach of the law, especially regarding drug-related issues of legitimate concern to the entire world,” the APM said.

The party cited the conviction of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández by a U.S. federal jury in Manhattan in March 2024 on drug-related charges as evidence that political status did not place individuals beyond the reach of the American justice system.

The APM said Tinubu’s position as president of Nigeria made questions concerning his past and present conduct matters of legitimate public interest, particularly with the 2027 presidential election approaching.

“President Tinubu currently presides over the affairs of more than 200 million Nigerians. His past and present actions are, therefore, matters of legitimate public interest, particularly as the nation heads toward the 2027 presidential election, in which he is a major contender,” it said.

The party said its position was based on the principles of democracy, justice and the rule of law.

“Our position is straightforward: let the facts be established, let the evidence be tested, and let justice take its course,” the APM said.

It subsequently urged Tinubu to withdraw from the presidential contest, saying his continued participation could expose the country to unnecessary embarrassment.

“The APM restates that at this critical juncture, Nigeria deserves a president free from questions of fraud, corruption, and dishonesty. We, therefore, counsel President Tinubu to spare the nation the pain, cost, and embarrassment of this situation by stepping down from the race,” the party said.

The APM also advised all presidential aspirants to be prepared to subject their records to public scrutiny.

The party, however, expressed confidence in its own presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as a leader capable of restoring Nigeria’s image and improving the fortunes of its citizens.

“For our part, the APM is proud of our presidential candidate and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who embodies the desire of Nigerians for an honest, transparent, and competent leader with the capacity, integrity, and skills to turn around the fortunes and image of our nation for the benefit of all citizens,” the statement said.