United States-based advocacy firm Von Batten-Montague-York has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of seeking to remain in office beyond the 2027 presidential election for what it described as personal reasons.
The firm made the claim in a statement reacting to Tinubu’s Independence Day address, alleging that the President’s continued status in office was linked to the protection offered to sitting heads of state under certain circumstances.
Von Batten-Montague-York made the allegation in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Thursday.
“Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is desperate to remain in power for many self-beneficial reasons, including something called head-of-state immunity, a doctrine that can protect sitting heads of state from the jurisdiction of foreign courts while they remain in office.
“Tinubu is now fully aware that the only thing standing in the way of a possible official re-examination of his alleged role in the trafficking of heroin from Nigeria into the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, and a possible new criminal indictment, is his current status as President of Nigeria,” the firm tweeted.
It further alleged that Tinubu’s position as President could prevent the reopening of old allegations concerning his activities in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s.
The claims relate to allegations that have previously been the subject of political controversy. The firm did not present new evidence to substantiate them in its latest statement.
Tinubu has previously denied wrongdoing relating to allegations concerning his past.
The comments come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with Tinubu expected to seek another term.
Von Batten-Montague-York is a private US-based organisation, and its statements do not represent the official position of the United States government.
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