Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling Nigeria’s exclusion from a U.S.-Africa leaders’ meeting hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump a “damning verdict” on Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s declining diplomatic relevance. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Trump recently announced plans to host leaders from five African nations — Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal — at the White House to discuss commercial opportunities and trade partnerships. Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation and once a major voice in African diplomacy, was notably absent from the list.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condemned the snub as intentional and symbolic of Nigeria’s diminishing international stature.
“This exclusion by the Trump administration is not a diplomatic oversight. It is not a scheduling error. It is a verdict — scathing in symbolism and staggering in implication,” Atiku said.
He blamed Tinubu’s “chaotic presidency,” his “divisive” role as ECOWAS chair, and his failure to maintain Nigeria’s diplomatic influence for the exclusion. Atiku noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, ECOWAS has lost three member states, with over 40% of its land mass gone.
“Once Africa’s diplomatic compass… Nigeria has now become an afterthought. Ignored. Sidelined. Stripped of influence,” he declared.
Atiku further accused Tinubu’s administration of economic mismanagement, highlighting the sharp decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and accusing Tinubu’s allies of indulging in luxury abroad while the country suffers.
He also addressed claims that Gilbert Chagoury, a known ally of Tinubu and major donor to the Clinton Foundation, could use his connections to gain leverage with Trump. Atiku dismissed the notion, saying:
“Chagoury is not a Trump ally… He holds no keys to the White House.”
Atiku’s statement concluded with a defiant tone, calling for national rescue and condemning Tinubu’s administration as a disgrace.
“From Giant of Africa to diplomatic ghost — Tinubu has finished the job… We will not mourn in silence. The mission to reclaim Nigeria’s honour has already begun.”
As political tension heats up ahead of future elections, this criticism from Atiku — a perennial presidential contender — underscores the deepening rift between the opposition and the current administration
