Sowore Accuses Tinubu, Obi of Drug Trafficking Ties, Declares Clean Record

Publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore has reignited controversy over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s past, claiming he never joined Tinubu “in distributing heroin and cocaine in Chicago.”

In a strongly worded statement shared Tuesday on his social media platforms, Sowore alleged that Tinubu was involved in narcotics trafficking, referencing decades-old allegations in the United States.

“I did not join Bola Ahmed Tinubu in distributing heroin and cocaine in Chicago,” Sowore declared. “I have never joined an armed robbery gang. I have never pledged allegiance to any cult—no matter how popular, powerful, or fanciful.”

The activist and former presidential candidate went on to distance himself from a long list of political figures he accused of corruption, human rights abuses, and betrayal of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations. Among them were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Sule Lamido.

But it was his direct accusation against Tinubu that drew the strongest reactions, reviving questions about the president’s alleged ties to drug money seized by U.S. authorities in the 1990s. While Tinubu has repeatedly denied personal involvement in narcotics trafficking, public records have shown that he forfeited funds after a U.S. court established probable cause linking the assets to heroin operations.

Sowore said his record stands in contrast to what he called the “national nightmare” created by Nigeria’s ruling elite. “I have only one allegiance: to the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the cheated, the silenced,” he wrote.