A fresh political confrontation has erupted between the Presidency and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, over allegations that his lobbying group in the United States petitioned American officials regarding a past civil forfeiture case involving President Bola Tinubu.
The Presidency, in a statement on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Atiku of attempting to internationalise Nigeria’s domestic politics and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Onanuga said the 1993 case had been resolved more than three decades ago, with no criminal conviction or finding of guilt against Tinubu.
“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”, he said.
The Presidency argued that the matter had already been settled through Tinubu’s electoral victory in 2023 and the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the result. It also accused Atiku of having unresolved legal controversies in the United States, citing allegations linked to the William Jefferson bribery scandal and a 2010 U.S. Senate investigation into foreign corruption.
The statement claimed the investigation raised questions about alleged offshore transactions involving Atiku, allegations the former vice president has denied.
The Presidency further criticised Atiku’s role in the privatisation programme under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of overseeing the sale of public assets under questionable circumstances. Onanuga said President Tinubu remained focused on governance despite the controversy.
“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”.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has since moved to the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
