Presidency Criticises Atiku Over Alleged Lobbying Campaign in United States

Presidency Criticises Atiku Over Alleged Lobbying Campaign in United States

The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over what it described as an attempt to internationalise Nigeria’s domestic political affairs through alleged lobbying efforts in the United States.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency accused Atiku of abandoning the conduct expected of a statesman by allegedly seeking the intervention of the United States government in matters relating to Nigeria’s leadership.

According to the statement, a lobbying group linked to the former Vice President reportedly submitted petitions to US President Donald Trump, members of the US Congress and the US State Department concerning a civil forfeiture case involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dating back to 1993.

The Presidency argued that the matter had long been resolved in the United States, stressing that it did not result in any criminal conviction or finding of guilt against President Tinubu.

It maintained that the issue had also been extensively debated during the 2023 presidential election and addressed through Nigeria’s electoral and judicial processes, including the Supreme Court.

The statement further emphasised that Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose political disputes should be resolved through its constitutional institutions rather than through foreign governments.

The Presidency described the alleged lobbying campaign as an attempt to externalise domestic politics and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, insisting that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election remains valid.

The statement also challenged Atiku Abubakar to clarify issues relating to previous investigations in the United States, including references to reports connected with the William Jefferson bribery case and a 2010 US Senate investigative report on foreign corruption.

The Presidency further criticised Atiku’s record during the privatisation programme under the administration in which he served as Vice President, alleging that the exercise benefited a select group while resulting in job losses and other economic challenges.

According to the statement, rather than pursuing foreign lobbying efforts, political leaders should focus on presenting practical policy alternatives to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

The Presidency reaffirmed that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing his Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reforms, improving national security, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s global standing, adding that the administration would not be distracted by political opposition.

Presidency Criticises Atiku Over Alleged Lobbying Campaign in United States