Presidency tackles Atiku for reporting Tinubu to Trump, US Congress
Former Vice President Criticized for Lobbying U.S. on Settled Case
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — The Nigerian Presidency issued a stern rebuke on Thursday to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for his attempts to report President Bola Tinubu to U.S. President Donald Trump and Congress regarding a longstanding civil forfeiture case from 1993.
In a statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency expressed disbelief that someone who has pursued the presidency for over 30 years would resort to such measures. The statement questioned the appropriateness of Abubakar’s actions, which reportedly involved petitions submitted through a lobbying group in the United States.
“This issue was resolved over 30 years ago in the United States and has been thoroughly litigated,” Onanuga stated. “Reviving this matter today is an affront to the intelligence of Nigerians and an attempt to rewrite history for personal gain.”
The statement further reminded Abubakar that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and that reporting its President to foreign leaders undermines national dignity and independence. It asserted that actions like these are inconsistent with the responsibilities expected of a statesman.
While acknowledging that lobbying is part of American political practice, the Presidency condemned the hiring of foreign agents to challenge a sitting president as unproductive and harmful to Nigeria’s sovereignty. “Nigerians resolved this matter at the ballot in February 2023 and in the Supreme Court,” Onanuga added. “That verdict stands.”
The statement also pointed to Abubakar’s past, highlighting allegations of corruption against him, including his involvement in a bribery scandal linked to former U.S. Congressman William Jefferson. Additionally, a U.S. Senate investigation detailed how Abubakar reportedly used offshore companies to facilitate suspect financial activities.
The Presidency questioned Abubakar’s motives, suggesting that his continued ambition for the presidency may be driven by a desire for diplomatic immunity and an effort to evade potential legal troubles abroad. “Recycling discredited allegations from the 2023 campaign will not improve his chances in 2027,” the statement noted.
Furthermore, the former Vice President’s tenure has been shadowed by controversies, particularly regarding the privatization program during his time in office, which has drawn criticism for facilitating significant job losses.
In conclusion, the Presidency underscored its commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges through focused leadership. “President Tinubu remains dedicated to his Renewed Hope Agenda, working towards economic stability and restoring Nigeria’s standing globally,” Onanuga remarked, dismissing Abubakar’s actions as mere political theatrics.
