The Presidency has launched a fresh attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty by using a United States lobbying firm to submit documents about President Bola Tinubu to the administration of President Donald Trump.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, questioned why Atiku had not also reported himself to US authorities over his own legal history.
Onanuga described Atiku’s decision to hire a Washington-based lobbying firm as inappropriate, arguing that taking Nigeria’s domestic political disputes to a foreign government was unbecoming of someone seeking to lead the country.
According to him, the documents being circulated relate to a 1993 civil forfeiture case involving Tinubu, which he said was resolved more than three decades ago without any criminal conviction.
He maintained that the matter had already been addressed through previous elections and legal challenges, including the 2023 presidential election and the Supreme Court’s judgment.
The presidential aide alleged that Atiku was attempting to revive old allegations for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general election.
Onanuga further claimed that Atiku should explain his own legal standing in the United States, citing his mention in investigations linked to former US Congressman William Jefferson and a 2010 US Senate report on foreign corruption.
He also criticised Atiku’s role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alleging that national assets were sold below value, resulting in job losses and unpaid pensions.
The statement also accused Atiku of focusing on political campaigns abroad instead of presenting policy alternatives to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Onanuga said Tinubu remained focused on implementing his Renewed Hope Agenda, attracting investment, improving security and stabilising the economy, insisting that the President would not be distracted by political opponents.
