The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the Presidency to address questions surrounding the reported forfeiture of $460,000 by President Bola Tinubu in the United States.
Atiku’s response followed criticism from the Presidency over his engagement of a US lobbying firm for $1.2 million to promote his interests and counter narratives about him and the Nigerian government in the United States.
Through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the Presidency of attempting to shift attention from questions about Tinubu’s past legal issues in the US by scrutinising the background of the lobbying firm’s managing partner.
He maintained that his engagement with Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. was lawful and had been registered with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
Atiku argued that rather than attacking the lobbying firm, the Presidency should explain the circumstances surrounding the reported forfeiture.
The controversy relates to proceedings in Chicago in 1993, during which Tinubu reportedly surrendered $460,000 to US authorities in connection with funds held in accounts linked to him.
The issue has resurfaced in the political debate ahead of the 2027 general election, with Atiku’s camp repeatedly demanding an explanation from the Presidency.
The ADC presidential candidate said he engaged the lobbying firm in March as part of efforts to protect and strengthen his reputation in the United States.
Documents reportedly filed by the firm under FARA indicated that its mandate included efforts to counter narratives attributed to the Nigerian government.
The firm also said in July that it had begun efforts to present members of the Donald Trump administration, Congress and senior congressional staff with records relating to allegations involving Tinubu.
It claimed that some US officials were previously unaware of relevant records held by the Department of Justice and said it intended to draw attention to court filings, an affidavit and related federal court decisions.
The development prompted a response from the Presidency.
The ADC presidential candidate said he engaged the lobbying firm in March as part of efforts to protect and strengthen his reputation in the United States.
Documents reportedly filed by the firm under FARA indicated that its mandate included efforts to counter narratives attributed to the Nigerian government.
The firm also said in July that it had begun efforts to present members of the Donald Trump administration, Congress and senior congressional staff with records relating to allegations involving Tinubu.
It claimed that some US officials were previously unaware of relevant records held by the Department of Justice and said it intended to draw attention to court filings, an affidavit and related federal court decisions.
The development prompted a response from the Presidency.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, questioned claims about the lobbying firm’s access to Trump administration officials and cautioned against suggestions that the firm or its managing partner could influence judicial proceedings in the US.
Atiku alleges $9m lobbying arrangement
Reacting to the Presidency’s criticism, Atiku accused the administration of double standards and challenged it to disclose its own spending on lobbying activities in the United States.
He alleged that the Tinubu administration had entered into an arrangement with DCI Group worth $750,000 monthly, which he claimed amounted to $4.5 million over six months and could potentially rise to $9 million.
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If Atiku’s $1.2 million is evidence of desperation, what exactly should Nigerians call your own arrangement capable of reaching $9 million?” Atiku asked.
He further called on Tinubu to account for the alleged lobbying expenditure and explain the circumstances surrounding the reported $460,000 forfeiture.
“President Tinubu, before counting Atiku’s $1.2 million, account for your own $9 million arrangement. And before attacking the messenger, answer the $460,000 question,” he said.
The exchange has intensified the political contest ahead of 2027, with rival camps increasingly turning attention to their opponents’ foreign engagements, political activities and past records.
