Atiku has reportedly hired US Lobbying Firm for $1.2m to boost his 2027 Presidential Election chances and acceptability by Nigerians.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million agreement aimed at strengthening his reputation and influence in the United States ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Details of the arrangement were disclosed in documents filed with the United States Department of Justice, indicating that the contract was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026. The agreement was executed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice-president.
According to the filing, the lobbying engagement is designed to shape perceptions of Atiku among U.S. policymakers and counter narratives linked to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Part of the contract states that the firm will work to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s leadership approach and policy agenda within U.S. political and policy circles.
Under the agreement, the lobbying firm will facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. officials, including members of Congress, while also offering advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
The contract further outlines plans for lobbying and government affairs engagement with congressional staff and executive branch officials on issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. relations with Nigeria and the wider West African region.
In addition, the firm will handle promotion and perception management activities intended to enhance U.S. policymakers’ understanding of Atiku’s political positions. These efforts include developing messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services.
The agreement is valued at $1.2 million for a 12-month period, with payments scheduled in six instalments.
The development comes amid growing speculation that Atiku could again contest the presidency in 2027, particularly as opposition forces reorganise around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has been adopted by several opposition figures.
However, the party is currently facing a leadership dispute following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.
In a related statement posted on its X account on April 2, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. said it would engage U.S. authorities; including Donald Trump and members of Congress regarding INEC’s decision to derecognise the ADC leadership.
The firm warned that the development could affect the ability of Nigeria’s main opposition platform to organise effectively ahead of the next presidential election.
It also urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that future elections in Nigeria remain credible and reflective of the will of the electorate.
