The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, NDMG, USA Chapter, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over an alleged Washington lobbying campaign against President Bola Tinubu, describing it as an attempt to turn domestic political rivalry into an international embarrassment for Nigeria.
The group also faulted what it described as the misrepresentation of decades-old United States documents concerning Tinubu, insisting that the 1993 proceedings frequently cited by his critics involved civil forfeiture and did not amount to a criminal prosecution or conviction of the President.
In an e-statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Daniel Cosmas, NDMG said the renewed campaign was aimed at influencing American officials against Nigeria’s elected president ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The attempt to sell an old civil forfeiture proceeding as though it were a criminal conviction is a cynical distortion of history.
“There is a fundamental difference between a civil proceeding involving the forfeiture of money and a criminal conviction for drug trafficking. Those who understand the American legal system know this distinction, yet political operators appear determined to blur it for propaganda purposes,” Cosmas said.
The group said it was particularly concerned about the alleged involvement of a lobbying firm in the campaign, questioning the credibility and motives of those behind the initiative.
Cosmas also alleged that the principal behind the lobbying operation had attracted controversy and scrutiny over his character and background, adding that reports had identified him as being of Nigerian origin.
“It is astonishing that people who claim to be defending Nigeria’s interests would outsource their campaign to a lobbyist whose own character and background have become subjects of public scrutiny.
“The irony is even greater when the person leading this campaign has been identified as being of Nigerian origin. Nigerians should ask why someone with such a controversial profile has suddenly assumed the role of an authority on the Nigerian presidency and why Atiku’s camp is comfortable placing its political messaging in his hands,” he said.
NDMG accused the former vice-president’s camp of attempting to manufacture an international crisis around Tinubu instead of presenting its case directly to Nigerian voters.
It said opposition politicians had the constitutional right to criticise the President, scrutinise his record and seek the support of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections, but should not seek to enlist foreign governments in domestic political contests.
“Democracy gives Atiku every right to oppose President Tinubu, criticise his policies and seek the support of Nigerians in 2027.
“What democracy does not give anyone is the right to outsource Nigeria’s political contest to Washington. If the opposition has a case against Tinubu, it should present that case to Nigerians and, where appropriate, to the Nigerian courts.
“Lobbying American officials with recycled allegations does not make those allegations true,” Cosmas said.
The group warned that campaigns of such nature could have consequences beyond the political fortunes of Tinubu and Atiku, particularly for Nigerians living and working in the United States and other countries.
According to NDMG, persistent efforts to portray Nigeria and its leadership through what it described as unproven or distorted criminal allegations could reinforce negative perceptions of Nigerians abroad and undermine legitimate business, professional and diplomatic relationships.
“Those pushing this campaign should remember that they will not be the only Nigerians answering questions when our country’s reputation is dragged through the mud.
“There are millions of Nigerians abroad building careers, businesses and families. Their dignity should not become collateral damage in an opposition politician’s presidential ambition,” Cosmas said.
