The Nigerian Presidency, through the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, criticises former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a reported $1.2 million lobbying agreement with a Washington-based firm. Dare says the United States-based campaign and related media reports are politically motivated speculation emanating from Atiku’s political opponents.
In a statement cited by both outlets, Dare argues that the narrative is being used to drive political messaging rather than to establish verified facts. The reports describe the Presidency’s reaction as part of a wider contest over political credibility ahead of elections, with Atiku’s camp facing claims about the purpose and legitimacy of the alleged lobbying arrangement.
Both sources focus on the Presidency’s response and do not provide new details from the lobbying firm itself or confirmed documentation of the deal. The difference between outlets is mainly framing and wording, while the core allegation and the government’s dismissal remain consistent: the Presidency disputes the reported lobbying deal’s political significance and characterises the campaign around it as speculative and partisan.
