Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million contract aimed at bolstering his reputation and influence in the United States.
Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice show the agreement was signed in March 2026 by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji.
The filing states that the contract is intended to shape perceptions about Atiku within U.S. policy circles and counter narratives promoted by the Nigerian government, including “counterbalancing” the government’s lobbying efforts while promoting Atiku’s leadership style and policy priorities.
Under the agreement, the firm will arrange meetings between Atiku and U.S. officials, including members of Congress, and provide strategic advisory services on policy positioning and engagement. The scope also covers lobbying, government affairs outreach to lawmakers, congressional staff, and executive branch officials on topics such as democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. relations with Nigeria and West Africa.
Additionally, the firm will manage public relations efforts, including crafting messaging strategies to strengthen Atiku’s narrative among key U.S. stakeholders. The $1.2 million contract spans 12 months and will be paid in six instalments.
The move comes as Atiku is widely regarded as a potential contender in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, amid ongoing uncertainty within the African Democratic Congress, which he and other opposition figures have joined.
The party is facing a leadership crisis following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to derecognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.
The lobbying firm also indicated it would engage U.S. authorities, including President Donald Trump and Congress, over concerns that INEC’s actions could undermine Nigeria’s main opposition platform, while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure future elections are credible, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will.