Published: July 26, 2026
Category: Politics | National Affairs
By: SUNTV Global Channel Political Desk
ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over its comparison with China’s legal system, arguing that the government’s response has reignited public debate rather than addressing the issues he raised.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the Presidency’s argument as a “monumental own goal,” saying it failed to respond to the substance of his concerns and instead relied on personal attacks.
The exchange follows an earlier dispute between the Presidency and Atiku over reports that a U.S.-based lobbying group linked to the former vice president submitted petitions to President Donald Trump and the U.S. State Department concerning President Tinubu’s 1993 civil forfeiture case and other related issues.
Reacting to the Presidency’s response, Atiku said Nigerians expected clear explanations rather than political exchanges, insisting that governments should address issues with facts instead of insults.
The former vice president argued that by citing China as a standard, the Presidency inadvertently invited comparisons with the country’s strict anti-drug laws and high standards of public accountability.
Atiku maintained that he has never been indicted or convicted of corruption, narcotics offences, or any criminal offence in Nigeria or abroad, describing this as a matter of public record.
He further argued that if China is to be used as a benchmark for accountability, Nigerians are equally entitled to ask how Chinese authorities would have handled allegations involving public officials, including issues surrounding the 1993 U.S. civil forfeiture case linked to President Tinubu.
Beyond the forfeiture issue, Atiku also criticized the Tinubu administration over what he described as corruption allegations, controversial budget provisions, and the country’s worsening economic hardship, claiming that such issues would attract stricter scrutiny under China’s governance system.
He also dismissed the Presidency’s reliance on diplomatic correspondence from the United States, arguing that such communication does not amount to a judicial ruling or a declaration of innocence.
Atiku concluded by urging the Federal Government to focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges instead of engaging in political disputes.
The Presidency has consistently defended President Tinubu against the allegations, maintaining that the issues raised have been addressed previously and do not affect his legitimacy in office.
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