News

2027: Atiku’s US lobbying effort won’t stop Tinubu’s victory – American Jeffrey Guterman

Published

3 weeks ago

July 23, 2026

Preport

Retired American mental health counsellor, Jeffrey Guterman, has said the lobbying effort initiated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over President Bola Tinubu’s alleged past US forfeiture case will not prevent the President from winning the 2027 general election.

Guterman made the remark in a post on his X handle on Thursday while reacting to reports that Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., engaged by Atiku, had begun sharing documents relating to alleged Tinubu’s long-running US forfeiture case with officials in the administration of President Donald Trump, members of Congress and congressional staff.

According to the firm, it is distributing records from the US Department of Justice concerning allegations linked to a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds connected to Tinubu.

DAILY POST reports that Atiku reportedly hired the lobbying firm in March under a 12-month contract valued at $1.2 million to undertake advocacy, diplomatic outreach and present his perspectives on issues concerning Nigeria-US relations.

Reacting, Guterman argued that the lobbying effort would have little impact on the outcome of Nigeria’s next presidential election.

He wrote: “Let’s be honest with ourselves. The U.S. lobbying effort to reveal Nigeria President Tinubu’s drug trafficking will do nothing. He will probably win in 2027 due to propaganda news on Tinubu.

“I affirm that Tinubu will win in 2027 unless on election day rigging and violence, like there was in 2023, is stopped.”

Earlier, Paul Ibe, an aide to Atiku, claimed that President Trump had been made aware of court documents relating to Tinubu’s past legal records in the United States.

In a post on X, Ibe alleged that Tinubu’s 60-page US Department of Justice files on alleged heroin trafficking and the forfeiture of $460,000 had been brought to Trump’s attention through the lobbying firm, Batten Von.

He maintained that Nigerians deserved to know the full details of the matter.

However, former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, criticised Atiku’s decision to engage a US lobbying firm to circulate documents relating to Tinubu’s past forfeiture case.

Sani described the move as unconscionable and unpatriotic.

He warned that involving foreign lobby groups against Nigeria’s President could damage the country’s international reputation, deepen global distrust of Nigerians and expose the country to sanctions or visa restrictions.

He also argued that the opposition should pursue political change through democratic processes within Nigeria rather than seeking foreign intervention.

News

Motsepe Urges Calm as FIFA Crisis Deepens, Backs March 2027 Election

Published

1 hour ago

August 14, 2026

Preport

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Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for calm and unity amid the growing crisis within world football’s governing body, insisting that the FIFA presidential election in March 2027 should provide the appropriate platform for members to determine the organisation’s direction.

Speaking in Salzburg around the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the current disagreements should not descend into prolonged internal conflict, urging all sides to respect FIFA’s electoral and governance processes.

Read Also: ‘Africa Must Protect Its Interests’ — CAF’s Lux September Speaks on FIFA Crisis | Sports247 Nigeria

FIFA’s 211 member associations are expected to decide the organisation’s leadership at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Current president Gianni Infantino is seeking another term.

Motsepe maintained that the election should allow the various candidates and member associations to make their positions clear through the established democratic process rather than through continued public confrontation.

The CAF president also reiterated his support for Infantino, describing him as a leader who has shown commitment to African football.

“Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa and has shown a deep commitment to African development and growth.”

His comments come amid a major dispute over FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise, which involved plans for private investment in FIFA competitions and triggered strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after widespread criticism over transparency and the consultation process.

Motsepe said the current situation should instead encourage dialogue, cooperation and respect for due process.

Africa’s position could be particularly influential at the election because CAF’s 54 member associations represent the second-largest voting bloc in FIFA, behind UEFA’s 55.

With the FIFA presidential contest approaching, Motsepe’s position keeps CAF firmly aligned behind Infantino while other confederations continue to demand changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance.

Business

Guinea Insurance Positions for Next Growth Phase Following NAICOM Recapitalisation Approval

Published

2 hours ago

August 14, 2026

Preport

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Emerging from National Insurance Commission, (NAICOM), sector-wide recapitalisation drive with a capital base exceeding ₦15 billion, Guinea Insurance Plc on Friday said its positioning itself for a major market transformation.

With NAICOM verification now completed, the non-life insurer plans to deploy its strengthened capital position toward underwriting larger corporate risks, expanding digital infrastructure, and competing more aggressively for market leadership within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

A statement released by the insurer noted that, recapitalisation is not the destination. It is the platform for growth.

The statement further said is now focused on converting its enhanced capital position into greater underwriting capacity, stronger customer propositions, improved service delivery, strategic partnerships and sustainable market growth.

Commenting on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ademola Abidogun, said:

“Recapitalisation has given Guinea Insurance the strength to think bigger, compete harder and pursue opportunities with greater confidence. We have strengthened our capital; now we are focused on strengthening our position in the market.”

“Nigeria is a market of enormous opportunities, and Guinea Insurance intends to be at the forefront of capturing those opportunities. Whether it is supporting major corporates, SMEs, institutions or individuals, we are ready to provide the capacity, expertise and confidence that businesses need to grow.”

The completion of the recapitalisation also reinforces Guinea Insurance’s ambition to become a more competitive, innovative and customer-focused insurer, with increased capacity to participate in larger risks, develop relevant insurance solutions and deepen its relationships across the insurance value chain.

The Company will build on this stronger foundation through disciplined underwriting, technology and innovation, operational excellence, robust risk management and a relentless focus on customer experience.

It will also pursue strategic opportunities that expand its market reach and create sustainable value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

According to the Company, the objective is clear: to turn capital strength into market strength.

Guinea Insurance expressed its appreciation to its shareholders, investors, policyholders, brokers, employees, business partners, regulators and other stakeholders whose confidence and support contributed to the successful completion of the recapitalisation exercise.

As Guinea Insurance enters its next phase, the Company is looking beyond compliance and capital adequacy. It is preparing to compete for bigger opportunities, serve more customers, support more businesses and deliver greater value across the Nigerian economy.

The post Guinea Insurance Positions for Next Growth Phase Following NAICOM Recapitalisation Approval appeared first on Business Today NG.