Atiku signs $1.2m US lobbying deal ahead of 2027 – Report
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly entered into a $1.2 million agreement with a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to improve his public image and influence within the United States.
Documents submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that the contract was executed on March 9 and 10, 2026. It was signed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, alongside Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, who represented the former vice president.
According to filings reviewed on the department’s website, the partnership is designed to shape perceptions of Atiku among U.S. policymakers and counter narratives associated with the Nigerian government.
Part of the contract outlines plans to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
The agreement also mandates the firm to arrange meetings between Atiku and key U.S. officials, including members of Congress, while offering strategic advisory services on policy engagement and positioning.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract read.
In addition, the firm will handle public relations and reputation management efforts aimed at strengthening awareness of Atiku’s policy positions among relevant stakeholders in the U.S.
“This includes the development of messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services,” the document added.
The contract, valued at $1.2 million, covers a 12-month period and will be paid in six instalments.
The move comes amid growing speculation that Atiku may contest the 2027 presidential election. His political activities are unfolding against the backdrop of uncertainty within the African Democratic Congress, a platform he and other opposition figures have recently aligned with.
The party is currently grappling with internal disputes following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw recognition from factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.
Meanwhile, the lobbying firm disclosed in a statement shared on its X account on April 2 that it plans to engage U.S. authorities, including Donald Trump and members of Congress, regarding INEC’s action.
It said the development “has effectively frozen Nigeria’s main opposition political party at a critical moment as it prepares to compete in the upcoming Nigerian presidential election, raising serious concerns about the opposition’s ability to organise and participate fully in the democratic process.”
The firm further called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that future elections are “beyond reproach” and reflective of the will of the electorate.
