2027: US Advocacy Firm Accuses Tinubu of Seeking Power, Allegedly Targeting Opposition

A United States-based advocacy firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has accused President Bola Tinubu of seeking to remain in power ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, alleging that his administration is using state institutions to suppress political opposition.

The firm made the claims in a statement published on its verified X account on Thursday, linking its concerns to the recent arrest and prosecution of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”

Von Batten-Montague-York alleged that the police, courts and electoral institutions were being used to influence the 2027 electoral process. It also called for the United States to stand with Nigerians in protecting democratic institutions, political freedoms and the rule of law.

The Borno case has attracted controversy after the five men were arraigned over allegations including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. The defendants pleaded not guilty, while the court fixed October 6 for a ruling on their bail applications and October 26 for the substantive case.

The Borno State Police Command has rejected the suggestion that the men were prosecuted simply for wearing the political T-shirts. Police said the suspects were arrested during a routine patrol and were allegedly found with items including suspected cannabis, tablets, a shisha pot and the T-shirts. The command said the case was brought to court after preliminary investigation.

The advocacy firm, however, argued that Tinubu has personal reasons for wanting to remain in office and specifically cited head-of-state immunity, which it said could protect a sitting president from certain foreign legal proceedings while in office.

It further alleged that Tinubu’s continued presidency could prevent a possible official review of longstanding allegations concerning his alleged involvement in heroin trafficking in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, and suggested that a future criminal indictment could arise if the matter were revisited. These remain allegations by the firm and should not be treated as established findings of criminal wrongdoing.

The latest statement comes amid a broader dispute between Von Batten-Montague-York and figures connected to the Nigerian government. The firm has previously announced plans for a proposed $36 million US lawsuit involving Tinubu and Femi Fani-Kayode over alleged threats against its principal, Karl Von Batten. The claims have been disputed, and reports indicate the proposed complaint had not been confirmed as filed when the announcement was made.

The controversy is unfolding as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 elections. The Nigerian government and Presidency had not issued a detailed response to the advocacy firm’s latest allegations at the time of reporting, while the Borno police maintained that its handling of the five defendants was based on allegations before the court rather than their political views.