Atiku Faults Presidency Over China Legal Comparison and US Forfeiture Claims

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Presidency over its recent defense of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that comparing Nigeria’s political issues to China’s legal system has only drawn greater scrutiny to allegations regarding the President’s past.

Speaking through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that the administration committed an “own goal” by invoking China’s strict anti-narcotics and anti-corruption standards. The statement was in response to comments by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who had claimed on social media that Atiku’s past management of state assets during privatisation would have landed him in prison under Chinese law.

Atiku rejected the allegations, maintaining that he has never been indicted or convicted of any criminal or corruption charges in Nigeria or abroad. Countering the Presidency’s stance, he argued that China enforces severe penalties, including the death penalty, for serious drug-related offenses and maintains high scrutiny over public funds, questioning how Chinese legal authorities would view the 1993 US civil forfeiture case involving funds linked to drug trafficking allegations.

Furthermore, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate dismissed claims that diplomatic correspondence from the United States exonerated the President, describing routine diplomatic letters as procedural rather than judicial acquittals. He urged the federal government to redirect its efforts toward addressing pressing national issues, including economic hardship and security concerns, rather than engaging in public disputes.