Atiku Abubakar, presidential
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reportedly employed the
services of a US lobbyist firm to advance his challenge of the outcome of the
February 23 presidential poll.
According to a report by Centre
for Responsive Politics (CRP), Bruce Fein, former justice department official
and his firm Fein & DelValle PLLC registered as foreign agents of PDP and
Atiku on March 24.
President Muhammadu Buhari
defeated Atiku with over three million votes in the election but he rejected
the results and filed a suit before the presidential election petition tribunal
challenging the process which he said was “heavily militarised” and results
manipulated.
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 is seeking to be recognised
by the US as the president of Nigeria, and halt the final declaration of Buhari
as the president until the matter is ruled upon by the supreme court.
According to the firm, parts of
its services on behalf of Atiku includes to “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.”
In a letter replying Atiku’s request
for their services, the firm said a “Nigerian barrister and trusted confidant
of Your-Excellency Dr. Lloyd Ukwu, will assist in the operations of the U.S.
Situation Room”
It added that Fein will be paid
$30,000 over a 90-day contract.
The firm said its lobbying effort
will demonstrate that an Atiku presidency is “the will of the People.”
It added that its services will
convince the United States that an “Abubakar presidency” will open a fresh and
new chapter in Nigerian politics, while “highlight the declining rule of law,
democracy and clue process in Nigeria under the APC and the current
administration.”
It said it will establish that if
Atiku “is denied victory”, problems like genocide, poverty, corruption and
strife will “undoubtedly continue.”
Asked to react to the move by
Atiku, Garba Shehu, spokesman of the president, said: “The party should be in a
good position to handle this. I don’t think the President of Nigeria should be
dragged to this low level.”
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