PDP Criticizes F Says Tinubu Lacks Trust in His Media Team Over $9M US Contract

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Federal Government for approving a $9 million contract with U.S.-based lobbying firm, DCI Group, to enhance Nigeria’s international reputation.

The opposition party questioned why the presidency would hand over the country’s image management to a foreign outfit despite having a full Ministry of Information and numerous media aides already employed for that purpose.

In a statement released on Wednesday, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong described the arrangement as “flawed, misleading, and embarrassing.”

According to Ememobong, it is troubling that an administration equipped with a functional information ministry and multiple communication aides still feels compelled to hire an external firm to polish its image abroad.

He argued that such an action clearly reflects a lack of confidence by President Tinubu in his official information handlers.

Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law office, facilitated the agreement with DCI Group on behalf of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The contract, set for an initial six-month duration with an automatic renewal option, is reportedly meant to assist the Nigerian government in explaining its efforts to protect Christian communities within the country.

However, the PDP raised concerns about the process and transparency of the deal, demanding answers directly from the Presidency.

The party asked whether the contract was included in the 2025 national budget, questioned why it was executed through a private legal firm instead of the Ministry of Justice, and sought clarity on the roles of information officers posted in foreign missions. It also queried what performance benchmarks were outlined for the lobbying firm.

The PDP emphasized that Nigeria’s international reputation cannot be transformed by foreign consultants without significant improvements in governance and security at home.

The statement stressed that no public relations firm can fabricate positive narratives that contradict the harsh realities Nigerians face daily.

It added that if the Tinubu-led administration is truly committed to reshaping global perception, it should prioritize safeguarding lives and property rather than spending heavily on strategic communication.

Ememobong further accused the APC government of chasing superficial approval through empty symbolism, urging the President to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity instead.

He said Tinubu should focus on guaranteeing safety for all citizens—regardless of religious background—and work to drastically reduce killings across the country.

Once citizens can live without fear, he noted, Nigeria’s global reputation will naturally improve.