Deputy spokesman for House of Reps warns opposition against image-damaging campaign as they press for US law enforcement records on President Tinubu

Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has called on US President Donald Trump and his administration to dismiss politically motivated lobbying efforts concerning historical US law enforcement records related to President Bola Tinubu. Agbese cautioned opposition politicians against actions that might harm Nigeria’s international reputation as they pursue political leverage leading up to the 2027 general elections. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, September 3, Agbese addressed recent lobbying in Washington, which seeks to engage the Trump administration and US Congress in allegations against Tinubu. He emphasized that political conflicts should not tarnish Nigeria’s reputation or adversely impact Nigerians living, working, studying, and conducting business abroad. According to Agbese, when politicians project Nigeria as a nation with criminal leadership, it affects all Nigerians globally, not just Tinubu. He urged the US administration to carefully assess the motivations and credibility of those advocating on Nigeria's behalf before responding to information resulting from political lobbying. According to Agbese, when politicians project Nigeria as a nation with criminal leadership, it affects all Nigerians globally, not just Tinubu. He urged the US administration to carefully assess the motivations and credibility of those advocating on Nigeria's behalf before responding to information resulting from political lobbying. He stressed that the relationship between America and Nigeria is greater than any politically driven motives and should focus on mutual interests like security, trade, and investment. While acknowledging the right of opposition politicians to critique and challenge Tinubu's policies, Agbese argued against involving foreign entities in domestic political matters. He advised the Federal Government to remain focused and not be sidetracked by what he termed as efforts to incite international controversy around the President as the elections approach. Agbese remarked that political rivalry is natural but emphasized the need for restraint in portraying one's country negatively merely for political gain. He highlighted the broader impact such campaigns could have on Nigerian students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and citizens whose identity is intertwined with Nigeria's global image. He raised concerns about using decades-old documents from civil forfeiture proceedings to judge Nigeria's present leadership, especially with the approaching elections. Agbese urged Nigerians to recognize the potential broader consequences of depicting the country unfavorably to foreign governments and international bodies, stressing that Nigeria's collective future transcends individual election outcomes.