ADC PDP, NNPP, LP slam Tinubu over alleged $9m US lobbying deal

Opposition parties – the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Labour Party (LP) – have condemned the Bola Tinubu administration over reports that the Federal Government approved a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the United States, describing the move as a clear case of misplaced priorities amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Business Hallmark had reported that the expenditure revealed that the Federal Government allegedly outspent pro-Biafra agitators in what was described as a lobbying battle in Washington.

The parties said the development suggested an attempt by the Tinubu administration to polish Nigeria’s image abroad while millions of citizens at home continue to grapple with inflation, unemployment, hunger and persistent insecurity.

The criticism comes as public outrage continues to build over the alleged deal, with many Nigerians accusing the government of wasteful spending at a time of severe economic distress. While some government supporters have defended the lobbying arrangement as necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s international image, opposition figures insist that good governance, not public relations, is the true measure of national reputation.

Documents reportedly filed with the United States Department of Justice showed that Kaduna-based law firm, Aster Legal, retained the U.S. public affairs and lobbying firm, DCI Group, under a $9 million contract on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The agreement was said to have been signed on December 17, 2025, by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, managing partner of Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, managing member of DCI Group.

The lobbying engagement is understood to be aimed at communicating the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity and protect Christians in Nigeria to the United States government, following repeated claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria – allegations the Federal Government has consistently denied.

Reacting, the ADC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the alleged $9 million expenditure as “outrageous” and symptomatic of moral blindness.

The party said no amount of paid lobbying could disguise the reality of widespread killings, kidnappings and the government’s failure to protect lives and property.

“While the ADC recognises the importance of representing Nigeria’s interests internationally, spending $9 million on image management at a time when millions of Nigerians cannot afford food, fuel or basic healthcare is a clear case of misplaced priorities,” the statement read.

According to the ADC, the move amounted to an admission of diplomatic failure, noting that key ambassadorial positions remain vacant while the government turns to foreign lobbyists to perform roles meant for career diplomats.

“No amount of image laundering can wash away the blood of thousands of Nigerians killed under this administration’s watch. Lobbying in Washington cannot substitute for a coherent strategy to end the bloodshed at home,” the party added.

The ADC also cautioned that framing the lobbying effort around religious protection could inflame sectarian tensions in an already fragile country.

The PDP echoed similar concerns, with its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, accusing the Tinubu administration of prioritising optics over substance.

In an interview, Ememobong said a nation’s international image is shaped by the lived experiences of its citizens, not by expensive lobbying contracts.

“The perception of a country stems from its people. If you want your image to improve, treat your citizens well,” he said, noting that social media and the Nigerian diaspora already provide the global community with real-time insights into conditions in the country.

Describing the alleged deal as a waste of public funds, Ememobong added, “It is money going down the drain. It reinforces what we have consistently said – that this government is more interested in appearances than reality.”

The NNPP also faulted the reported contract, with its National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, describing it as “sad and unfortunate” given Nigeria’s prevailing economic challenges.

Johnson argued that appointing and deploying ambassadors would be a more effective way to manage Nigeria’s diplomatic relations than hiring lobbyists.

“With rising inflation, unemployment and insecurity, this clearly shows misplaced priorities. If security were being handled properly, foreign governments would know through their own intelligence networks. You do not need lobbyists to tell them,” he said.