Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has reportedly signed a deal with a Washington-based lobbying firm as part of efforts to strengthen his image and influence in the United States.
Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice show that the Nigerian political heavyweight engaged Von Batten-Montague-York L.C. to help manage and improve his reputational standing within U.S. political circles.
The agreement was signed between the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician, Fabiyi Oladimeji, on March 9 and 10, 2026.
Part of the contract states that the lobbying firm will work to counter narratives allegedly being pushed by the Nigerian government in the United States while also helping U.S. policymakers better understand Atiku’s political stance and leadership vision.
According to the filing, the firm will arrange meetings for Atiku with U.S. government officials, lawmakers, and members of Congress, while also advising him on policy positioning, reputation management, and engagement strategy.
The scope of work includes lobbying efforts with members of Congress, their staff, and officials in the executive branch on issues such as democratic governance, economic development, regional stability, and U.S. relations with Nigeria and West Africa.
The firm will also carry out public relations and perception management activities aimed at shaping how U.S. policymakers view Atiku’s policy ideas and leadership priorities. This includes developing messaging strategies, preparing policy briefs, drafting talking points, and circulating informational materials among key stakeholders in Washington.
For the 12-month contract, Atiku is expected to pay the firm $1.2 million, to be paid in six instalments.
*Political Moves Ahead of 2027*
Atiku remains one of the most prominent figures expected to play a major role in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race, despite several previous attempts at the presidency.
He is among opposition leaders who recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress, a party currently facing an internal leadership crisis that could affect its ability to field candidates in the next general election.
Recently, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced that it would no longer recognise the factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following its interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgement.
In a statement posted on X, the lobbying firm also indicated that it would raise concerns with Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Congress regarding what it described as actions that could undermine Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The firm also urged Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure that future elections are credible, transparent, and reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.
Lobbying efforts involving Nigerian political and business interests in Washington have become increasingly common. In December 2025, the Nigerian federal government reportedly signed a $9 million lobbying deal to help communicate its efforts to protect Christians in the country to U.S. authorities.
Around the same time, Matthew Tonlagha also hired Valcour Global Public Strategy to support initiatives aimed at strengthening U.S.–Nigeria relations.
