US lobbying firm hired by Atiku threatens sanctions against INEC officials, politicians over election rigging

A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has disclosed plans to recommend sanctions against officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigerian politicians found culpable of electoral malpractice.

According to a report by TheCable, the firm cited growing international concern over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process as the basis for its move. It stated that individuals identified as undermining elections would be spotlighted and recommended for punitive measures by the United States government.

Proposed sanctions, as outlined in the report, include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on access to the global financial system. These recommendations are expected to be forwarded to the office of the US President and the US Congress for consideration.

The firm reportedly acknowledged that while the US State Department recognises INEC’s institutional capacity to conduct credible elections, the commission has shown vulnerabilities when confronted with interference from political actors. It added that such weaknesses were evident during the 2023 general elections and warned that similar patterns may be re-emerging.

TheCable further reported that the firm is already engaging with key US stakeholders and plans to brief congressional leaders and senior officials of the National Security Council in the coming days, despite the ongoing Easter recess.

The lobbying outfit emphasised that its objective is to ensure accountability for any politician or electoral official found to have compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.

The development comes amid reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently engaged the firm as part of efforts to strengthen his international profile and counter narratives by the Nigerian government abroad.

The agreement, reportedly signed in March 2026, includes facilitating high-level engagements with US officials and providing strategic advisory support on policy positioning.

The move signals increasing international attention on Nigeria’s democratic processes as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

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