ATIKU INVESTS $1.2M IN U.S. LOBBYING TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC IMAGE

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a bid to bolster his image in the United States.

Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that the agreement was executed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, alongside Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, who acted on behalf of the former vice-president.

According to the filing obtained from the DOJ’s website on Sunday, the partnership is designed to influence perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and respond to narratives associated with the Nigerian government.

The document further states that the engagement seeks to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s lobbying efforts in the United States, while promoting a clearer understanding of Atiku’s leadership approach and policy agenda among key policymakers.

Under the terms of the agreement, the firm is tasked with arranging meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. officials, including members of Congress, while also offering guidance on policy positioning and engagement strategy.

Part of the contract states that the scope of work includes lobbying and government affairs outreach to members of Congress, their staff, and executive branch officials on matters relating to democratic governance, regional stability, economic growth, and U.S. relations with Nigeria and the wider West African region.

In addition, the firm will carry out promotion, perception management, and public relations efforts aimed at improving understanding of Atiku’s positions among U.S. policymakers and other key stakeholders.

The document further notes that the scope of work covers the development of messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services.

The agreement is valued at $1.2 million over a 12-month period, to be paid in six instalments.

The move comes amid growing speculation that Atiku may contest the 2027 presidential election, as uncertainty continues to surround the African Democratic Congress, which he and other opposition figures have aligned with.

The party is currently grappling with a leadership crisis following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to derecognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

In a related development, the lobbying firm said in a statement posted on its X handle on April 2 that it would engage U.S. authorities, including President Donald Trump and members of Congress, over INEC’s action.

The firm said the derecognition “has effectively frozen Nigeria’s main opposition political party at a critical moment as it prepares to compete in the upcoming Nigerian presidential election,” raising concerns about the opposition’s capacity to organise and fully participate in the democratic process.

It also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that future elections are credible, transparent, and reflective of the will of the people.