President Bola Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has tackled a United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, over its allegations that the Tinubu led government influenced the court judgment that nullified former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy.
The firm had accused Tinubu of interfering in the electoral process, describing the judgment as an indication that the Presidency had allegedly arranged to eliminate a major challenger ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a post on X, Von Batten-Montague-York said it would present a post by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, celebrating the court ruling to members of the Donald Trump administration and the United States Congress.
Reacting, Olusegun dismissed the allegations, accusing the firm of attempting to tarnish Tinubu’s image while portraying Atiku in a favourable light.
In a lengthy post on X, he said, “I’m sure this must be the most difficult job you’ve ever had. All your attempts to whitewash Atiku and tarnish the image of President Tinubu keep collapsing like a pack of cards.
“Consequently, you have resorted to grasping at anything you can find just to prove to your paymaster that you are working.
“This latest attempt to twist the statement of the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and allege interference by President Tinubu and the APC in the judgment that nullified Atiku’s candidacy is both ludicrous and laughable.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the President and the ruling party had no hand in Atiku’s political and judicial ordeal. Atiku remains the architect of his own misfortune.
“In fact, many supporters are disappointed by the nullification of his candidacy, as an electoral defeat would have been preferred over a judicial disqualification.
“You can twist the facts or level any accusations you want, but the reality is that no one, either in Nigeria or in the United States, where you are contracted to work, takes your claims seriously.”
Olusegun further advised the firm to collect its alleged outstanding payment from Atiku before the January election, predicting that the former Vice President would suffer a heavy defeat.
“My candid advice is to ensure you collect your full balance from Atiku before the January election, because he will have little reason to pay after a resounding defeat,” he added.