PDP attacks Tinubu's $9m US lobbying contract, calls it 'shameful'

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Federal Government's $9 million contract with DCI Group, a United States-based lobbying firm, to improve Nigeria's image abroad. PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong described the six-month deal as "defective, deceptive, and shameful," questioning why the Tinubu administration would hire a foreign firm while maintaining a fully staffed Ministry of Information and numerous media aides.

The contract, filed with the US Department of Justice, was reportedly contracted through Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. It aims to "assist the Nigerian government in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities" and automatically renews for another six months.

PDP demanded clarifications: Was this budgeted in the 2025 budget? Why use a private law firm instead of the Federal Ministry of Justice? What are the duties of existing Information officers in diplomatic missions? What are the Key Performance Indicators? The opposition argued that no lobbying firm can replace genuine governance improvements, stating "No lobbying or strategic communication firm can create narratives that will replace the lived experiences of the people."

Ememobong urged President Tinubu to focus on solving Nigeria's worsening insecurity rather than "deceptive communication" and "ephemeral optics." He emphasized that true image change requires securing lives and property so all Nigerians can worship freely. The PDP advised the government to concentrate on providing sustainable solutions to the nation's primary challenge: insecurity.

Does this $9m investment in foreign image management address Nigeria's security challenges, or would those funds better strengthen domestic security infrastructure and community protection programs?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/14/pdp-faults-fg-over-9m-us-pr-contract/