Atiku Abubakar to Address Nigeria's Crisis in US Visit

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has confirmed his plan to visit the United States to draw international attention to Nigeria's escalating insecurity and economic hardships. In a statement issued on Sunday by his media adviser Paul Ibe, Atiku highlighted the full-blown crisis facing Nigeria, marked by persistent violence in the northwest and northeast, as well as rising kidnappings across the country.

He expressed concern over the declining state of Nigeria's democratic institutions, warning that the erosion of public confidence in the government and electoral processes threatens national stability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. Atiku criticized the current administration's economic management, citing a drop in external reserves despite rising oil earnings, and called for an urgent reset of government priorities.

He also rejected claims that engaging with international partners amounts to foreign interference, asserting that Nigeria cannot afford to ignore its international failures. Atiku's visit is supported by a $1.2 million contract with the Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten Montagu York L.C. to enhance his reputation and influence policy perceptions in the U.S.