Bola Tinubu

Funds linked to Bola Tinubu were subject to civil forfeiture proceedings in the United States in the early 1990s; $460,000 was surrendered to the government as part of a settlement. The episode is regularly used politically in Nigeria as proof of a criminal past.

Attribution

Directly implicated

On taking office, Tinubu announced the end of the costly fuel subsidy. The measure sharply increased transport and essential goods prices and became one of the principal drivers of the cost-of-living crisis experienced by households.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The Tinubu administration liberalised the exchange rate regime and implemented substantial naira devaluations. The reforms improved certain macroeconomic indicators and attracted capital, but alongside subsidy removal they also contributed to soaring prices, increased poverty and a significant deterioration in many households' real income.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

At the start of the 2026 election campaign, Tinubu's record remained dominated by insecurity, kidnappings and the cost-of-living crisis. Reuters reported that a very large majority of people tracked by a sentiment indicator believed the country was heading in the wrong direction, despite improvements in some financial indicators.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Attribution

Political responsibility

Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-producing Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and regional assembly members for six months, citing an institutional crisis and threats to oil infrastructure.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The purchase and use of a new presidential aircraft, along with other spending associated with the state's lifestyle, provoked strong controversy as inflation and poverty rose following economic reforms.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Nationwide cost-of-living demonstrations were accompanied by violence, clashes and shootings by security forces. Dozens of participants were subsequently prosecuted for treason and inciting a coup, including 30 minors according to court documents cited by Reuters.

Attribution

Political responsibility

Person targeted by the proceedings

protesters

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

The February 2023 presidential election was marked by logistical problems, delays in electronic transmission of results and violence in several areas. Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi challenged Tinubu's victory before the courts.

State of the evidence

Documented

Atiku Abubakar sought to use documents obtained from Chicago State University to support allegations that the diploma presented by Tinubu was forged. The university confirmed the existence of an academic record in Tinubu's name, but an official explained that they could not authenticate the particular document submitted in Nigerian political proceedings.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

A former executive of Alpha Beta Consulting accused Tinubu in civil proceedings of exercising concealed economic control over the tax collection company linked to Lagos State and alleged fraud and tax evasion.

Two armoured cash-in-transit vehicles entering Tinubu's Bourdillon residence on the eve of elections triggered allegations of money distribution and vote-buying.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Directly implicated