The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over reports that his lobbying group in the United States submitted petitions to President Donald Trump and the US State Department regarding President Bola Tinubu’s 1993 civil forfeiture case, describing the move as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the decades-old case had long been resolved and did not result in any criminal conviction or finding of guilt against President Tinubu.
According to the Presidency, attempting to revive the matter through foreign lobbyists amounts to taking Nigeria’s domestic politics outside the country and undermining its independence.
“Reporting the President of Nigeria to another country’s leader is not only inappropriate but also undermines the nation’s dignity and independence. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, not a satellite of any foreign power,” Onanuga said.
The Presidency maintained that the issue had already been settled politically and legally, noting that Tinubu’s election victory in 2023 was upheld by the Supreme Court.
“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,” the statement added.
The Presidency also turned its attention to Atiku, referencing allegations contained in past United States investigations.
It cited the William Jefferson bribery scandal and a 2010 US Senate report titled Keeping Foreign Corruption Out of the United States: Four Case Histories, alleging that the report mentioned Atiku in connection with offshore companies and the movement of suspected funds into the United States.
The statement further claimed that Atiku’s former wife, Jennifer Douglas, was also referenced during the investigation.
Onanuga also questioned reports that Atiku allegedly spent $1.2 million on American lobbyists, saying the former vice president should instead clarify his own legal standing in the United States.
The Presidency equally criticised the privatisation programme carried out during Atiku’s tenure as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alleging that national assets were sold below value to associates, resulting in job losses and unpaid salaries.
It further claimed that Atiku’s continued presidential ambition was driven by personal interests rather than national service.
Despite the criticism, the Presidency insisted that President Tinubu remains focused on governance and would not be distracted by political opponents.
“President Tinubu is unfazed by Atiku’s theatrics as he remains focused on his Renewed Hope Agenda, stabilising the economy, attracting investments, securing the nation, and restoring Nigeria’s standing in the world,” Onanuga stated.
Atiku Abubakar, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to President Tinubu and has since moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of his expected 2027 presidential bid.
