Shehu Sani faults Atiku’s $1.2m US lobbying deal against Tinubu, FG

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condemned the reported engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to spread documents related to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to U.S. officials.

Sani called the move unnecessary and warned it could harm Nigeria’s international reputation, urging political leaders to settle their differences within the country’s democratic and legal frameworks.

His reaction followed reports that Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington-based firm hired by Atiku under a supposed 12-month contract, had started distributing documents about a long-standing U.S. civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu.

According to reports, the firm stated it was sharing records from the United States Department of Justice concerning a civil forfeiture case from 1993 involving funds allegedly connected to Tinubu. The lobbying contract is said to be worth $1.2 million. It includes advocacy, diplomatic outreach, and presenting Atiku’s positions to U.S. policymakers, including officials in the Trump administration, members of Congress, and congressional staff.

Reacting to this, Sani said political disagreements stemming from Nigeria’s electoral process should not be taken to foreign capitals.

“Disputes that belong in our courts, our parliament, and our public space should not be taken to lobby foreign governments against the leadership of our own country,” he said.

The former lawmaker emphasized that Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation should outweigh partisan interests. He warned that lobbying foreign governments against the country’s leadership could have unintended negative effects on Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and national interests.

Sani urged politicians from all parties to conduct their activities responsibly, emphasizing that issues related to elections and governance should be resolved through constitutional and institutional means.

According to him,  “Healthy opposition is an essential part of democracy. “But it must not come at the expense of Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage. Our country’s image should not be collateral damage in political rivalry.”

He called on all stakeholders to prioritize national unity and Nigeria’s international image over partisan conflicts, highlighting that the focus should be on strengthening domestic democratic institutions rather than seeking external validation or intervention.

This condemnation occurs amid increased political activity ahead of 2027, with opposition leaders intensifying criticism of the Tinubu administration on economic and governance issues.

Sani’s statement contributes to the ongoing discussion about the limits of political opposition and the potential consequences of taking domestic disputes overseas.