Ahead of the 2027 elections, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has officially engaged the Washington-based firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. to enhance his standing within U.S. political circles.
According to U.S. Department of Justice filings dated March 9 and 10, 2026, the agreement was finalized between the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Atiku’s representative, Fabiyi Oladimeji.
The contract, valued at $1.2 million, aims to recalibrate Atiku’s reputation among American policymakers.
The firm is tasked with “counterbalancing” lobbying efforts from the Nigerian government in the U.S.
The strategy also focuses on articulating Atiku’s leadership style and future policy goals to influential U.S. officials.
The firm will facilitate direct meetings between the former Vice-President and members of the U.S. Congress.
Under the deal, Atiku will receive expert guidance on international policy positioning and diplomatic engagement.
This move signals an early effort by the Atiku camp to secure international legitimacy and soften his public image on the global stage ahead of the next presidential cycle.
“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 reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
“This includes the development of messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services,” the document added.
The agreement is valued at $1.2 million for a 12-month period, payable in six instalments.
The development comes as Atiku is widely seen as a potential contender in the 2027 presidential election, amid ongoing uncertainty within the African Democratic Congress, which he and other opposition figures have adopted.
The party is currently facing 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, in a statement via its X handle on April 2, said it would engage U.S. authorities, including President Donald Trump and members of Congress, over INEC’s derecognition of the leadership of the ADC.
It said the action “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 serious concerns about the opposition’s ability to organize and participate fully in the democratic process.”
The firm also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that future elections are “beyond reproach” and reflective of the will of the people.
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