Tinubu forfeited drug-linked $460,000 in US while I laid foundation of ABTI in 1993 — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for questioning his investment in education, claiming he established ABTI Academy in 1993 while Tinubu faced a $460,000 forfeiture case in the United States, and accusing his administration of worsening Nigeria’s economic hardship.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for questioning his investment in education, recalling the president’s 1993 United States forfeiture case.

According to Daily Post, Atiku responded in a statement issued Saturday by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

Atiku maintained that his educational investments began before he became vice president, dismissing Tinubu’s allegations as attempts to divert attention from governance failures.

“In 1993, while a U.S. court ordered the forfeiture of funds in an account in your name, describing them as proceeds of narcotics trafficking or funds involved in unlawful financial transactions, I was laying the foundation for ABTI Academy. That Academy has since grown into the American University of Nigeria,” he said.

Atiku further accused Tinubu’s administration of worsening poverty, unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship.

He argued that the president should address Nigerians’ struggles rather than question his educational investments.

Atiku also challenged Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambition, insisting that Nigerians deserved better leadership.