Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has heavily criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after Nigeria was left out of a recent Africa-focused meeting planned by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Atiku described the snub as a serious sign of Nigeria’s fading importance in the world and blamed Tinubu’s leadership for the decline.
Trump had invited five African leaders—Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—to the White House to discuss trade and business opportunities. However, Nigeria, the most populous African country and once a major diplomatic force, was not invited.
Atiku, through his media aide Phrank Shaibu, said the exclusion was deliberate and a clear message that Nigeria no longer holds the influence it once did on the global stage.
“This is not a simple mistake or a scheduling error,” Atiku said. “It’s a serious judgment on how far Nigeria has fallen under Tinubu’s government.”
He blamed Tinubu’s “chaotic” leadership, especially his divisive actions as the chairman of ECOWAS. Atiku pointed out that under Tinubu, ECOWAS has lost three member states, and over 40% of its territory is no longer part of the bloc.
“Nigeria used to be Africa’s leader in diplomacy,” Atiku said. “Now we are ignored and sidelined.”
Atiku also criticized Tinubu’s handling of the economy, mentioning the steep drop in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He accused Tinubu’s close allies of living in luxury abroad while ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle.
He also dismissed claims that Gilbert Chagoury, a wealthy businessman and known associate of Tinubu, could use his connections to influence Trump’s decision. Atiku insisted Chagoury had no influence at the White House and was not close to Trump.
Atiku ended his statement by saying Tinubu’s administration had seriously damaged Nigeria’s global image. He called for urgent action to restore the country’s lost respect and declared that the journey to fix Nigeria had already begun.
As the country prepares for the next round of elections, Atiku’s strong remarks show how deep the divide has become between the ruling party and the opposition.
