Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reportedly paid a lobbyist $30,000 to make the United States recognise him as Nigeria’s ‘Authentic President’.
This was revealed in a report by the Centre for Responsive Politics on Monday.
The report claims Atiku has hired Bruce Fein, a former justice department official and his firm Fein & DelValle PLLC registered as foreign agents of PDP.
The firm is expected to “encourage Congress and the executive to forbear from a final declaration and recognition of Nigeria’s February 23, 209 presidential election until outstanding legal challenges to the initial government of Nigeria assertion that incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari was the victor are impartially and independently resolved by the supreme court of Nigeria without political or military influence, intimidation or manipulation”.
Atiku, apart from seeking to be recognised as president, also wants to halt the final declaration of Buhari as the president until the matter is ruled upon by the supreme court.
The firm will also, among other things, “Meet and consult with members of Congress and staff in an effort to pass House and Senate resolution(s) to forebear from a final declaration and recognition of a winner of the 2019 Federal Republic of Nigeria presidential election pending legal challenges to the initial assertion that incumbent President Buhari was the victor are impartially and independently resolved by the Nigerian judiciary in accordance with the rule of law and due process, free from military or political influence
“Draft articles and op-ed pieces to spotlight the issues in Nigeria post-2019 presidential election arid to promote the rule of law and due process in resolving electoral disputes in Nigeria.
“Make television and other media appearances to engage in public advocacy discussions of these issues.”
The firm said in a letter replying Atiku’s request that they would demonstrate that an Atiku presidency is the “will of the people”. It added that a “Nigerian barrister and trusted confidant of Your-Excellency Dr. Lloyd Ukwu, will assist in the operations of the U.S. Situation Room”
Atiku’s new partners will also aim to demonstrate to President Donald Trump that if their client is denied victory, problems like genocide, poverty, corruption and strife will “undoubtedly continue.”
President Muhammadu Buhari defeated Atiku with over three million votes in the February 23, 2019 general election. He however rejected the results and has since filed a suit before the presidential election tribunal.
AA
