Former Blanco, Texas, mayor Mike Arnold accuses President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Washington-based lobbying firm DCI Group of potentially violating laws in the United States and Nigeria. Arnold makes the claims in a Facebook post, alleging the Nigerian government pays DCI Group $750,000 monthly under a contract filed with the US Department of Justice.
Arnold says the contract’s stated purpose is to help inform US authorities and policymakers that Nigeria protects Christian communities and fights jihadist groups. He argues DCI Group instead uses its platform to attack former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a possible challenger in Nigeria’s 2027 election, citing posts that question Atiku’s US visa ability and mock his travel documents. He contrasts this with reports that Atiku has hired another Washington lobbying firm for $1.2 million, whose registration documents, Arnold says, openly state it works for him and against the Nigerian government.
Both outlets report Arnold’s view that the allegations could raise issues under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) if political activity on behalf of a foreign principal is not properly disclosed. He also suggests the use of public funds to target a political opponent may breach Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
