A Republican policy and lobbying firm based in Washington, D.C., Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has taken allegations involving President Bola Tinubu and alleged heroin trafficking in the 1980s and 1990s to members of the United States Congress.
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The firm disclosed this on Wednesday through its verified X account, saying it had contacted lawmakers and senior congressional staff over a Freedom of Information Act case connected to the allegations.
According to the firm, its engagement with congressional officials focused on the claims involving Tinubu and the possible release of information linked to the matter through the FOIA process.
The lobbying group said it began contacting members of Congress and their senior aides after lawmakers returned to Washington, with the aim of bringing the issue to their attention.
It argued that the allegations should not be viewed only as an internal Nigerian political matter, saying they could have wider implications for the relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
The firm said the matter could raise questions around areas such as US national security, cooperation between law enforcement agencies, intelligence sharing and efforts to tackle international drug trafficking.
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It also pointed to the broader relationship between Washington and Abuja, particularly at a time when the United States is reviewing its strategic partnerships and interests across Africa.
The lobbying firm further questioned how the allegations, if considered by US authorities, could affect the way Washington views the Nigerian government and its relationship with President Tinubu.
It said US policymakers may need to assess the possible impact of the matter on Nigeria-US cooperation and determine whether Tinubu remains a useful strategic partner for American interests.
The development comes as attention continues to surround a FOIA case connected to records relating to the allegations against the Nigerian President.
The firm’s action means the issue is now being presented directly to US lawmakers and congressional staff, potentially bringing greater attention to the claims within American political and policy circles.
The allegations referenced by the firm concern events said to have occurred decades ago. The firm’s decision to approach Congress does not by itself establish the truth of the allegations, but it indicates its intention to have US policymakers examine the matter and consider any possible implications for bilateral relations and counter-narcotics cooperation.
The development adds another dimension to the ongoing political and legal discussions surrounding records held by US authorities concerning Tinubu.
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