President Bola Tinubu and former VP Atiku Abubakar
Presidency has launched a fresh attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his reported lobbying efforts in the United States, accusing the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty by taking domestic political issues to foreign authorities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised Atiku’s alleged decision to petition United States President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress over President Bola Tinubu’s past civil forfeiture case in the US.
According to Onanuga, the matter being raised by Atiku’s lobbyists was resolved more than three decades ago and had no criminal conviction against President Tinubu.
Describing Atiku’s actions as unbecoming of a former vice president, Onanuga said Nigeria’s electoral process and judicial system had already settled the issue.
“It is important to remind Atiku and his associates that Nigeria is a sovereign nation, not a satellite of any foreign power. Reporting the President of Nigeria to another country’s leader is not only inappropriate but also undermines the nation’s dignity and independence. Such actions are incongruous with the responsibilities of a statesman and are ultimately self-defeating.”
The presidential spokesman argued that the allegations surrounding Tinubu’s 1993 civil forfeiture case had been thoroughly addressed during the 2023 election cycle and subsequently resolved by the Supreme Court.
He further maintained that reopening the issue amounted to an attempt to rewrite history for political advantage.
“While lobbying is a legitimate part of American politics, employing paid foreign agents to peddle discredited documents against a sitting Nigerian President is not advocacy—it is an attempt to externalise domestic politics and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. 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.”
Onanuga also challenged Atiku to address allegations concerning his own past dealings in the United States, claiming the former vice president was linked to investigations arising from the William Jefferson bribery scandal.
He referenced a 2010 report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, alleging that Atiku and his former wife, Jennifer Douglas, were subjects of an inquiry into suspected financial transactions involving offshore companies.
The presidential aide further accused Atiku of pursuing the presidency for personal reasons rather than national interest.
“Atiku’s obsession with the presidency is driven not just by his marabout-fuelled ambition, but by a desire for diplomatic immunity and to evade potential legal issues abroad. Recycling discredited allegations and documents from the 2023 campaign will not improve his chances in 2027.”
Onanuga also criticised Atiku’s role during Nigeria’s privatisation programme under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, alleging that the exercise led to the disposal of national assets at undervalued prices and widespread job losses.
“A man with such a dismal record as a public servant certainly has no business asking for our votes. Indeed, if Atiku Abubakar were a Chinese, he would be rotting away in jail for his crimes against the Nigerian people.”
The presidential spokesman said President Tinubu remained focused on governance despite the political attacks.
“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. He is not distracted by political actors, perennial losers like Atiku, who now seek validation abroad.”
The statement comes amid renewed political exchanges between the Presidency and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
