Presidency Accuses Atiku of Undermining Nigeria Through U.S. Anti-Tinubu Lobbying

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

The Presidency has launched a fresh criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty by allegedly engaging lobbyists in the United States to campaign against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration. The Presidency also questioned Atiku’s legal history in the U.S., describing his actions as inconsistent with the conduct expected of a national leader.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency alleged that Atiku had retained a Washington-based lobbying firm to circulate documents relating to President Tinubu’s decades-old U.S. civil forfeiture case to members of the Trump administration, the U.S. Congress and other American officials. It argued that such efforts were aimed at damaging Nigeria’s international image for political gain.

The Presidency further contended that while Atiku seeks to portray himself as a defender of democracy, his reported efforts to solicit foreign intervention in Nigeria’s domestic political affairs amount to an attempt to internationalise partisan politics. It maintained that political disagreements should be resolved through constitutional and democratic processes within Nigeria rather than through foreign lobbying.

In addition, the statement referenced Atiku’s previous legal challenges in the United States, arguing that the former vice president was in no position to question President Tinubu’s record.

It urged opposition figures to focus on constructive engagement and national development instead of pursuing campaigns that could undermine the country’s diplomatic standing.

The latest exchange marks another chapter in the escalating political rivalry between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The renewed war of words reflects increasing political tension as both sides intensify efforts to shape public opinion in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle.