By Seun Ibiyemi
The Presidency has alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar spent $1.2 million (about N1.66 billion) on American lobbyists to petition United States President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress over President Bola Tinubu.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused Atiku of attempting to internationalise Nigeria’s domestic politics in pursuit of his presidential ambition.
According to Onanuga, Atiku’s lobbying group in the United States recently submitted petitions to President Trump and the US State Department over a 1993 civil forfeiture case involving Tinubu, describing the matter as one that had been settled decades ago without any criminal conviction.
He argued that reviving the issue more than 30 years later amounted to an attempt to rewrite history for political advantage.
“It is baffling and disappointing that someone who has sought the presidency for over three decades now resorts to reporting the President of Nigeria to US President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress,” the statement read.
The Presidency maintained that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and that taking domestic political disputes to foreign governments undermines the country’s dignity and independence.
While acknowledging that lobbying is a legitimate aspect of American politics, Onanuga criticised the alleged engagement of paid foreign lobbyists to campaign against a sitting Nigerian president.
“Nigerians resolved this matter at the ballot in February 2023 and in the Supreme Court. That verdict stands, and Atiku’s latest fishing expedition would amount to nought,” he said.
The Presidency further claimed that if Atiku could spend $1.2 million on American lobbyists, he should also explain issues relating to his past legal scrutiny in the United States.
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The statement referenced Atiku’s alleged involvement in investigations linked to the William Jefferson bribery scandal and a 2010 US Senate report titled Keeping Foreign Corruption Out of the United States: Four Case Histories, which examined financial transactions involving foreign public officials.
Onanuga also criticised Atiku’s role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme during his tenure as vice president, alleging that national assets were sold to associates at undervalued prices, leading to job losses and unpaid pensions.
He argued that rather than presenting policy alternatives to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, the former vice president had resorted to media campaigns and lobbying efforts abroad.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu remains focused on implementing his Renewed Hope Agenda, stabilising the economy, attracting investments and improving national security despite political criticism.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
