Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost reputation

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to boost his “reputational standing” in the United States.

Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji.

According to the filing, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions about Atiku within US policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.

One of the objectives states that the firm will “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the US, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.

Under the arrangement, the firm will facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and US government officials, including members of Congress, and provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.

“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.

It added that the firm would 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 stated.

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 (ADC), 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 (INEC) to derecognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

In a related development, the lobbying firm said it would engage US authorities, including President Donald Trump and Congress, over concerns that INEC’s decision undermines the “main opposition party” in Nigeria.

The firm also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that future elections are “beyond reproach” and reflective of the will of the people.(Vanguard)