The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has criticised opposition efforts to draw international attention to allegations and documents linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Agbese, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday evening, said the campaign could have wider consequences for Nigeria’s reputation and for citizens living, working and doing business outside the country.
He argued that political disagreements should be handled through Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions rather than by involving foreign governments and agencies.
According to the lawmaker, the circulation of old documents and unproven allegations in international political circles could affect Nigerians who depend on the country’s reputation to access jobs, education, investments and business opportunities abroad.
“This has gone beyond politics. When desperate politicians begin to export their political battles and portray Nigeria as a country whose leadership is allegedly associated with criminality, they are not hurting President Tinubu alone,” Agbese said.
He added that such actions could affect students seeking admission abroad, professionals looking for employment, entrepreneurs seeking international partnerships and other Nigerians who may face the consequences of a negative perception of the country.
Agbese acknowledged the right of opposition politicians to criticise the Tinubu administration and challenge its policies, but warned against using foreign governments and institutions as tools for settling domestic political disputes.
He said political competition was legitimate but should not involve portraying Nigeria negatively before the international community simply for electoral advantage.
The Benue lawmaker also urged the administration of United States President Donald Trump to carefully examine the credibility and motives of individuals presenting information about Nigeria and its leadership.
Agbese appealed to the US government to maintain its relationship with Nigeria based on areas such as security, trade, investment and development rather than political campaigns allegedly designed to influence Washington against the Nigerian government.
He further argued that allegations concerning Tinubu should be assessed using appropriate legal and evidentiary standards instead of being repeatedly presented as established facts.
The lawmaker questioned the relevance of decades-old documents from a civil forfeiture proceeding being used to define Nigeria’s current political leadership, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Agbese warned that Nigeria’s international reputation should not become a casualty of political competition.
He said negative portrayals of the country could eventually affect investment, immigration decisions, international business relationships and how Nigerians are treated abroad.
“We must stop treating Nigeria’s international reputation as collateral damage in our political contests. Whoever wins an election will still inherit the same country, and whoever loses will still remain a Nigerian,” he said.
Agbese said the House of Representatives would continue to defend Nigeria’s national interest while encouraging politicians to pursue their disagreements through democratic and judicial channels.
He urged opposition figures seeking to challenge the Tinubu administration to concentrate on governance, policies and the electoral process rather than campaigns aimed at involving foreign actors in Nigeria’s domestic political affairs.
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