ABUJA, Nigeria – The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over efforts by his U.S.-based lobbying team to raise concerns about President Bola Tinubu before U.S. President Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Congress.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the move as inappropriate and an attempt to internationalise Nigeria’s domestic politics. Okay News reports that the statement accused Atiku of reviving allegations linked to a 1993 civil forfeiture case in the United States, arguing that the matter was resolved decades ago without any criminal conviction against Tinubu.
The Presidency maintained that Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose electoral disputes have been settled through the ballot and the courts. It argued that Tinubu’s election was affirmed by both Nigerian voters in the 2023 presidential election and the Supreme Court, insisting that renewed lobbying efforts abroad would not alter those outcomes.
Onanuga also questioned Atiku’s legal standing in the United States, referencing his mention in investigations connected to the William Jefferson bribery case and a 2010 U.S. Senate report on foreign corruption. He further criticised Atiku’s record during the privatisation programme under the administration in which he served as vice president, alleging that the exercise resulted in the sale of national assets below value and widespread job losses.
The Presidency said President Tinubu remains focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reforms, investment attraction and national security, adding that the administration would not be distracted by what it described as Atiku’s political campaign ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku Abubakar has not publicly responded to the latest statement.
