Politics

Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Nigeria’s Absence From Trump’s Africa Talks

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 4th, 2025.

Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Nigeria’s Absence From Trump’s Africa Talks

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken aim at President Bola Tinubu following Nigeria’s exclusion from a planned meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders from five African countries.

Trump is expected to host leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal to discuss trade and economic partnerships. But Nigeria — Africa’s most populous country and a long-time regional power — didn’t make the list, a move Atiku sees as a serious blow to the country’s diplomatic standing.

In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku called the snub deliberate and a reflection of Nigeria’s fading relevance on the global stage.

“This wasn’t a mistake,” he said. “It’s a clear message. And it says a lot about how Nigeria is now viewed under this administration.”

Atiku pinned the blame squarely on Tinubu’s leadership, criticizing what he called a “chaotic presidency” and pointing to Nigeria’s shrinking influence in West Africa, especially as ECOWAS grapples with internal crises. He noted that during Tinubu’s time as ECOWAS chair, the regional bloc lost three member countries — a development he believes further underscores Nigeria’s waning influence.

“We used to lead in Africa. Now we’re being left out,” Atiku said.

He also accused Tinubu’s government of poor economic management, citing a drop in foreign investment and what he described as the lavish lifestyles of government insiders at a time when most Nigerians are struggling.

Reacting to speculation that Tinubu’s allies might use personal connections to Trump to bridge the diplomatic gap, Atiku dismissed the idea — especially any suggestion that businessman Gilbert Chagoury could play that role.

“Chagoury isn’t close to Trump. He doesn’t hold any sway in that circle,” he said.

Atiku ended his statement on a confrontational note, calling the situation “a disgrace” and insisting that the effort to restore Nigeria’s reputation must begin now.

“From being a leader in Africa to being ignored — this is what Tinubu has done. But we won’t stay silent,” he said.

With political tensions already rising ahead of future elections, Atiku’s remarks mark another sharp escalation in the war of words between the opposition and the presidency.