Atiku hires US lobbying firm in $1.2m deal to boost image, counter FG
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million deal aimed at strengthening his reputation and countering the Nigerian government’s lobbying efforts in the United States.
The agreement, signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, was filed with the US Department of Justice.
According to the contract, the firm is expected to “counterbalance” the federal government’s lobbying narratives while promoting a better understanding of Atiku’s leadership outlook and policy vision among US policymakers.
As part of its responsibilities, the firm will facilitate meetings between Atiku and US government officials, including members of Congress. It will also provide strategic guidance on policy positioning, reputation management, and engagement approaches.
The contract further states that the firm will engage in lobbying and government affairs activities involving members of Congress, their staff, and executive branch officials. These efforts will focus on issues such as democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and US relations with Nigeria and West Africa.
In addition, the firm will handle public relations and perception management, including developing messaging strategies, policy documents, and briefing materials to present Atiku’s positions to relevant stakeholders.
The 12-month contract is valued at $1.2 million, to be paid in six instalments.
Atiku remains one of the prominent political figures expected to contest the 2027 presidential election, despite previous unsuccessful bids.
He is among opposition leaders aligned with the African Democratic Congress, which is currently facing a leadership crisis that could affect its ability to participate effectively in the election.
Recently, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced it would no longer recognise the rival factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following a review of a court of appeal judgment.
The lobbying firm has also indicated plans to engage with Donald Trump and the US Congress over concerns that INEC’s decision undermines Nigeria’s main opposition party.
In its statement, the firm called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that future elections are credible, transparent, and reflective of the will of the people.
The development comes months after the federal government reportedly signed a $9 million lobbying contract to present its efforts on protecting Christians in Nigeria to the US government.
Similarly, in December 2025, Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, engaged another US-based firm, Valcour Global Public Strategy, to support efforts at strengthening Nigeria–US bilateral relations.
