The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a reported $1.2 million lobbying agreement with a Washington-based firm, alleging that the move was aimed at seeking foreign support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made the allegation in a statement, describing the activities of the US-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., as politically motivated.
Dare claimed that documents filed under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) indicated that Atiku’s camp engaged the firm for a 12-month period at a cost of $1.2 million.
According to him, the agreement was designed to challenge the Nigerian government’s position and use historical US legal records as political tools ahead of the next presidential election.
The presidential aide also questioned claims linked to Dr Karl-Marx Edward Okeke-Von Batten, the founder of the lobbying firm, describing him as a commercial lobbyist rather than an official of the US government.
Dare warned against portraying Okeke-Von Batten as someone with direct access to former US President Donald Trump or his administration, saying his statements should not be interpreted as the position of the American government.
“The self-bestowed appellation of ‘Senior Government Advisor’ is a linguistic sleight of hand,” Dare stated.
He challenged individuals making claims about a “highly classified intelligence report” involving President Tinubu to provide the document, sources and evidence backing their allegations.
Dare further stated that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case involving historical US records had been ongoing since 2023 and was unrelated to Tinubu’s current international engagements.
He explained that the FBI’s position in the matter was based on protecting investigative procedures, confidential sources and the safety of individuals involved.
The presidential aide also referenced comments by senior lawyer Wole Afolabi, SAN, on Channels Television, noting that some information was withheld under US laws protecting confidential investigations.
Dare argued that if President Tinubu had committed any criminal offence under US law during previous investigations, American authorities would have had the opportunity to prosecute him at the time.
He accused opposition figures of relying on old US records instead of presenting Nigerians with alternative policies and solutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the opposition was engaging in “muckraking, emotional manipulation, and ethnic polarisation” rather than offering practical plans for economic growth and national development.
Dare said the Tinubu administration remained focused on fiscal reforms, infrastructure development and institutional changes, adding that political parties would ultimately be judged by their achievements and policy proposals.
He maintained that elections could not be won through foreign lobbying or media campaigns but through proven performance, national vision and programmes that improve citizens’ lives.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.