A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, engaged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to recommend sanctions against Nigerian politicians and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who attempt to manipulate or undermine the country’s electoral process.
The announcement comes amid growing international concern over alleged electoral malpractices in Nigeria, with the firm signaling an intensified effort to hold responsible actors accountable.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, the firm confirmed it would begin spotlighting electoral officials and individuals implicated in election rigging, with the ultimate goal of advocating punitive measures through U.S. authorities.
“We will recommend to the Office of the President and Congress that Global Magnitsky sanctions be imposed on any Nigerian politician or official of INEC who engages in efforts to rig Nigeria’s ongoing electoral process,” the statement read.
“These measures should include freezing all foreign assets, restricting access to the global financial system, and imposing travel bans on individuals and their immediate family members.”
The lobbying firm noted that while the U.S. State Department has recognised INEC’s institutional capacity to conduct credible federal elections, the commission has shown vulnerabilities when confronted with deliberate interference by political actors.
According to the firm, these weaknesses were particularly evident during the 2023 elections, with current developments indicating a potential recurrence.
Despite the U.S. Congress being on Easter recess, Von Batten-Montague-York said it is actively engaging key lawmakers and plans to brief congressional leadership and senior officials at the National Security Council early next week.
“Unlike the Biden Administration, which took no meaningful action in 2023, it is not in President Donald Trump’s nature to remain passive in the face of an election being openly undermined,” the firm asserted.
The firm emphasised that its core objective is to ensure accountability for any politicians or INEC officials who compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.
Atiku Abubakar recently retained the firm to protect and enhance his “reputational standing” in the United States.
The agreement, signed by managing partner Karl Von Batten and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on March 9 and 10, 2026, also outlines strategies to counter the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives in Washington.
Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice indicated that the firm would facilitate meetings between Atiku Abubakar and U.S. officials and members of Congress, while providing guidance on policy positioning, reputational considerations, and engagement strategy.
