US LOBBY FIRM SEEKS SANCTIONS OVER INEC DECISION ON ADC LEADERSHIP
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has said it will urge authorities in the United States, including President Donald Trump and members of Congress, to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s derecognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the firm expressed concerns about INEC’s handling of Nigeria’s electoral process, citing both past and emerging challenges.
It acknowledged that INEC, with support from international partners, has the capacity to conduct credible elections but alleged that the commission has shown weaknesses when faced with attempts by political actors to undermine the process.
According to the firm, these concerns were evident during the 2023 general elections and may be resurfacing ahead of the 2027 polls.
The group disclosed that it is already engaging U.S. policymakers, noting that while Congress is on Easter recess, efforts are ongoing to brief key lawmakers and senior members of the U.S. National Security Council.
It added that unlike the administration of former President Joe Biden, which it claimed took limited action in 2023, it expects a more proactive response from the current leadership.
The firm said it would recommend sanctions under the Global Magnitsky framework, targeting any Nigerian politician or INEC official found to be involved in electoral malpractice. Proposed measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on access to the global financial system for affected individuals and their immediate families.
The development follows an earlier statement by the firm criticising INEC’s decision, which it said could hinder the opposition party’s ability to organise effectively ahead of the next general election.
The lobbying effort is linked to a $1.2 million contract signed in March 2026 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, mandating the firm to engage U.S. officials and shape international policy conversations.
INEC’s move to derecognise rival leadership factions within the ADC, including those led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, has intensified internal disputes within the party and drawn reactions from opposition figures concerned about its implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
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