President Bola Tinubu has engaged U.S. lobbyists, allocating $2.7 million to enhance his international image following controversies related to alleged drug dealings and certificate forgery. This initiative aims to persuade American lawmakers and policymakers of his integrity as Nigeria’s leader.
Among the hired firms is Lenape Legal, led by David Spaulding, based in Philadelphia. Documents indicate that Lenape Legal commenced its services in April 2024, shortly after Nigeria’s Supreme Court dismissed the allegations against Mr. Tinubu as insufficient to challenge his presidency.
An anonymous senior official from Nigeria’s justice ministry revealed that President Tinubu believes negative media coverage has hindered his governance, particularly in establishing effective communication with foreign counterparts. Despite attending international summits, he reportedly struggles to secure special foreign policy concessions akin to those achieved by previous Nigerian administrations.
The controversies surrounding President Tinubu include a 1993 incident where he forfeited approximately $460,000 to the U.S. government amid allegations of involvement in narcotics trafficking. Additionally, inconsistencies in academic records from Chicago State University have led to accusations of certificate forgery. Although Nigeria’s Supreme Court upheld his election victory, these issues have continued to affect his reputation.
In response, the Tinubu administration has contracted multiple public relations firms to counteract the negative perceptions. The total expenditure on these services may exceed the initial $2.7 million, depending on evolving circumstances. It remains unclear whether the funding for these contracts originates from President Tinubu’s personal resources or public funds.
