Atiku Hires US Lobbying Firm

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice-President of Nigeria, has engaged the Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague York for a $1.2 million, 12-month contract. The firm's primary objectives are to enhance Atiku Abubakar's reputational standing in the United States, counter the Nigerian government's lobbying narratives, and advance understanding of his leadership vision among US policymakers. The agreement, signed by Karl Von Batten and Fabiyi Oladimeji, involves facilitating meetings with US government officials, including members of Congress, and providing advisory services on policy positioning. Von Batten-Montague York has also publicly vowed to recommend Global Magnitsky sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against Nigerian politicians and officials of the Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission found manipulating the electoral process. This move comes amid Atiku Abubakar's positioning for the 2027 presidential election and concerns over the Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission's derecognition of factions within the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress, which the firm argues undermines Nigeria's main opposition party. The firm plans to engage Donald Trump and the US Congress on these issues and has urged Bola Tinubu to ensure credible elections.