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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly contracted Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, LC, in a $1.2 million deal aimed at strengthening his reputation and influence in the United States.
According to documents filed with the US Department of Justice, the agreement was formalized on March 9 and 10, 2026. The contract was signed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, acting on behalf of the former vice president.
Details of the filing suggest that the engagement was designed to reshape the perception of Atiku among US policymakers and counter narratives associated with the Nigerian government.
One of the core aims of this arrangement was to “balance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narrative” in the United States, while seeking to “increase understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
As part of the contract, the company is expected to organize strategic meetings between Atiku and key US officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory support on policy positioning and diplomatic engagement.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials on 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.
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The scope of his work also includes image management and strategic communications aimed at improving the perception of Atiku among influential policy makers.
The company will also conduct “promotional, perception management and public relations activities designed to increase understanding among US policymakers and relevant stakeholders” regarding Atiku’s position.
“This includes developing messaging strategies, narrative positioning and reputation consulting services,” the document adds.
The contract, valued at $1.2 million, is designed to run for 12 months, with payments to be made in six installments.
This development comes amid increasing speculation regarding Atiku’s potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential elections, especially as he is allied with opposition forces in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
However, the party is currently grappling with an internal leadership dispute following the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recently derecognized factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.
In a related move, the lobbying firm revealed in a statement on its X account on April 2 that it would engage US authorities, including Donald Trump and members of Congress, regarding INEC’s decision regarding ADC leadership.
The company warned that the move “has effectively frozen Nigeria’s main opposition political party at a critical time as it prepares to compete in Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election, raising serious concerns about the opposition’s ability to organize and fully participate in the democratic process.”
They also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the upcoming elections meet democratic standards, and urged that they be “beyond reproach” and reflect the will of the people.
