Tinubu’s $9m lobbyists targeting me for criticising Nigerian govt — US activist

United States-based activist and Africa Arise founder, Mike Arnold, has alleged that a Washington lobbying operation engaged by the Nigerian government has singled him out in an effort to discredit his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Arnold made the allegation in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, claiming that a review of the X account @SecureNigeriaHQ, which he said is managed by DCI Group on behalf of Nigeria, showed that he had been targeted more frequently than other individuals critical of the government.

According to Arnold, the lobbying engagement is worth about $750,000 monthly, or $9m over 12 months, and is focused on shaping perceptions of Nigeria in Washington.

He alleged that the account had questioned his sources of funding, linked him to separatist groups and accused him of undermining US-Nigeria counterterrorism cooperation.

Arnold, who described himself as a filmmaker, former mayor and founder of Africa Arise, said his criticism of the Tinubu administration was largely centred on its handling of insecurity and attacks on Christian communities.

He alleged that the campaign against him was an attempt to shift attention from his claims about insecurity in Nigeria by attacking his credibility.

“Lies, all lies. But what do you expect from Tinubu?” Arnold said, while accusing the administration of attempting to undermine his reputation rather than address the issues he raises.

He cited his activities in Nigeria over the past 16 years, particularly his engagement with displaced communities and victims of violence, as the basis for his criticism of the government’s security record.

Arnold also claimed that the alleged lobbying campaign had instead increased interest in his activities among officials in Washington.

“Every time Tinubu’s lobbyists come after me, another congressional office wants to know what I know. Brilliant strategy. Nine million dollars to make the witness more interesting,” he said.

He maintained that his criticism of the administration would continue despite the alleged campaign against him.

“Bring it on. You’re spending $9 million trying to discredit me and making me more dangerous to you every week,” Arnold stated.

The activist said his claims were particularly focused on the security situation in Borno State, citing the community of Ngoshe as an example of what he described as a gap between government assurances and the experiences of residents.

Arnold alleged that residents were encouraged to return to the community after government assurances of improved security but were subsequently attacked.

He also named several other individuals and public figures whom he claimed had been targeted by the lobbying operation, including Alex Barbir, Judd Saul, US Congressman Riley Moore, former US Ambassador Tibor Nagy and former US Ambassador Sam Brownback.

Arnold stressed that he was not facing any warrant or criminal charge in connection with his activities, describing his reference to himself as “Nigeria’s Most Wanted” as satire based on his claim that he was the most frequently targeted individual in the review.

He challenged the Nigerian government and its Washington lobbyists to continue the alleged campaign, arguing that attempts to silence his criticism would only increase scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation in Washington.