Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has engaged Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington-based lobbying firm, in a $1.2 million deal aimed at strengthening his reputation and countering the Nigerian government’s lobbying efforts in the United States.
The contract agreement, signed by Karl Von Batten, the firm’s managing partner, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on March 9 and 10, 2026, was filed with the US Department of Justice.
According to the filing, a key objective of the agreement is for the firm to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the US, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” within US policymaking circles.
Under the terms of the deal, the firm will facilitate meetings between Atiku and US government officials, including members of Congress, and provide strategic advisory 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,” part of the contract details reads.
“The Registrant (lobbying firm) 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 the development of messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services.
“In furtherance of these activities, the Registrant prepares, distributes, and may assist in the dissemination of informational materials, including briefing memoranda, policy papers, talking points, and related communications, intended to inform U.S. government officials and stakeholders.”
The agreement spans 12 months, with Atiku expected to pay the $1.2 million fee in six instalments.
The development comes as Atiku, a key opposition figure, is widely seen as positioning himself for the 2027 presidential election following previous unsuccessful bids.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform adopted by Atiku and other opposition leaders, is currently grappling with an internal leadership crisis that could affect its readiness for the polls.
On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would no longer recognise the ADC factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala after reviewing a Court of Appeal judgement.
In a statement published via X on Thursday, the lobbying firm said it would engage with US President Donald Trump and the US Congress regarding concerns that INEC’s decision undermines the “main opposition party”.
The firm also called on President Bola Tinubu to “ensure that the conduct and outcome of the upcoming elections are beyond reproach, free from doubt, and fully reflective of the will of the Nigerian people”.
The move mirrors recent lobbying efforts by Nigerian stakeholders in Washington. In December 2025, the federal government secured a $9 million lobbying contract to communicate its actions on protecting Christians in Nigeria to US authorities.
That same month, Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, also retained Valcour Global Public Strategy to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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