Atiku engages US lobbying firm in $1.2m deal to boost global image ahead of 2027

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million deal aimed at strengthening his reputational standing in the United States.

Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that the agreement, signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, involves the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji.

According to the filing, the contract is designed to shape perceptions about Atiku within US policy circles and counter narratives linked to the Nigerian government.

Part of the agreement mandates the firm to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s lobbying efforts while advancing understanding of Atiku’s leadership profile and policy direction among key stakeholders.

The arrangement also includes facilitating meetings between Atiku and US officials, including members of Congress, as well as offering strategic advisory services on policy positioning and engagement.

“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,” the document stated.

The firm is also expected to undertake public relations and perception management initiatives, including crafting messaging strategies and providing reputational advisory services.

The development comes as Atiku is widely regarded as a potential contender in the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid ongoing political realignments.

The ADC is currently grappling with a leadership crisis involving David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from contending factions.

In a related move, the lobbying firm indicated plans to engage US authorities, including President Donald Trump and members of Congress, over concerns that INEC’s actions could undermine Nigeria’s main opposition platform.

The firm also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that future elections are credible and reflective of the will of the people.

The agreement underscores growing international dimensions to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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