Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has engaged Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. in a $1.2 million contract aimed at bolstering his international reputation and countering the Nigerian government’s lobbying initiatives in the United States.
The agreement, signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by Karl Von Batten, the firm’s managing partner, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, was officially filed with the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to the filing, the firm’s key mandate is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” while advancing understanding of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among U.S. policymakers.
Under the contract, the lobbying firm would facilitate high-level meetings between Atiku and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, and provide strategic guidance on policy positioning and reputation management.
“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 filing reads.
It adds: “The Registrant may advocate for policies and perspectives aligned with the foreign principal’s stated positions, including matters relating to governance, economic policy, and bilateral relations with the United States.
The Registrant also engages in promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders of the foreign principal’s policy positions, leadership posture, and strategic priorities.
”This includes messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services.”
The 12-month contract stipulates that Atiku will pay the $1.2 million fee in six instalments.
The move comes as Atiku, a leading opposition figure, is widely viewed as positioning for a 2027 presidential bid following previous unsuccessful attempts.
However, his political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is currently facing internal leadership disputes that may affect its readiness for the elections.
On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that it would no longer recognise the ADC factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following a review of a Court of Appeal judgment.
Responding via X on Thursday, the lobbying firm said it would engage US President Donald Trump and Congress regarding concerns that INEC’s decision undermines the “main opposition party.”
The statement also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the forthcoming elections are “beyond reproach, free from doubt, and fully reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.”
The development reflects a broader trend of Nigerian stakeholders engaging U.S. lobbying firms. In December 2025, the federal government signed a $9 million contract to communicate its actions on protecting Christians in Nigeria to U.S. authorities.
That same month, Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, retained Valcour Global Public Strategy to enhance bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States.
