The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve allegations linking him to narcotics-related matters before seeking re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

The party expressed confidence that the United States District Court for the District of Columbia would independently determine issues surrounding an alleged legal challenge by Tinubu to the release of documents in the possession of US law enforcement agencies.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubakar, the APM said the reported court action had raised questions that should be resolved through due judicial process.

The party said the allegations should be subjected to judicial scrutiny rather than allowed to fuel continued speculation, stressing that relevant evidence should be tested in accordance with the law.

According to the APM, the matter has assumed greater public interest because Tinubu is Nigeria’s sitting president and a major contender in the 2027 presidential election.

It alleged that the President’s lawyers had cited privacy concerns and the possible political implications of releasing the documents in opposing their disclosure.

The party, however, said the court should determine the issue strictly on the basis of applicable law and evidence, rather than political considerations.

The APM also referred to Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides circumstances under which a person may be disqualified from contesting for the presidency.

It acknowledged that whether any of the constitutional provisions apply to the allegations could only be determined after the relevant facts and evidence had been established through the appropriate legal process.

The party further stressed Nigeria’s obligations under international conventions on the control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, saying the country must maintain high standards in combating drug trafficking and related offences.

“No individual, regardless of political position or status, should be beyond the reach of the law,” the APM said.

The party cited the 2024 conviction of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández by a US federal jury on drug-related charges as an example of the principle that political office should not shield anyone from judicial scrutiny.

The APM therefore urged Tinubu to reconsider his reported bid for a second term, arguing that Nigerians should have a president whose record is free from unresolved questions involving fraud, corruption, dishonesty or other serious allegations.

It also called on all presidential aspirants in the 2027 election to be prepared to submit their records and public conduct to legitimate scrutiny.

The party described its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as its preferred alternative, saying he would promote transparency, competence and accountability in governance.

The APM said the 2027 election should give Nigerians an opportunity to choose a leader based on integrity, competence, credibility and the capacity to improve the country’s fortunes and international image.