Atiku Challenges Tinubu on Forfeiture and Lobbying Deal

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain two significant issues: a historical US federal narcotics and money-laundering investigation linked to Tinubu and a US District Court decree ordering the forfeiture of $460,000 associated with Tinubu's name. This challenge was articulated in a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, on September 2, 2026.

Shaibu criticized the presidency's remarks delivered by Sunday Dare, asserting that they did not adequately address the concerns raised and instead attempted to divert attention by attacking lobbyist Karl Von Batten's background. He also pointed out that Atiku's $1.2 million engagement with Von Batten-Montague-York was properly filed with the Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Furthermore, Shaibu highlighted a $750,000 monthly arrangement between the Tinubu administration and the DCI Group, potentially totaling $9 million, urging the government to focus on rising living costs instead of targeting Atiku's lobbyist.