The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over reports that his lobbying group in the United States submitted petitions concerning President Bola Tinubu to President Donald Trump and the US State Department, describing the move as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the action amounted to externalising domestic political disputes and seeking foreign intervention in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
The statement referenced a 1993 civil forfeiture case involving Tinubu, which it said was resolved more than three decades ago without any criminal conviction or finding of guilt against the President.
“It is baffling and disappointing that someone who has sought the presidency for over three decades now resorts to reporting the President of Nigeria to US President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress,” Onanuga said.
“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.”
The Presidency maintained that issues surrounding the case had already been addressed through the democratic process and judicial review, noting that Tinubu’s election victory and subsequent Supreme Court judgment settled the matter.
“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 referenced allegations contained in past United States investigations involving Atiku, including reports connected to the William Jefferson bribery scandal and a 2010 US Senate inquiry into foreign corruption.
It further questioned Atiku’s motivations for pursuing the matter internationally and criticised aspects of the privatisation programme implemented during his tenure as Vice President.
Onanuga insisted that President Tinubu remained focused on governance and was not distracted by political opposition.
“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,” the statement said.
The Presidency added that the administration would continue pursuing its development agenda despite criticism from political opponents.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, has since aligned with the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
