By Editor -in-Chief
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, in a $1.2 million deal aimed at boosting his international image and strengthening ties with US policymakers ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The agreement, signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, is designed to shape perceptions about Atiku within influential political and diplomatic circles in Washington, D.C. ¹ ² ³
The lobbying effort will facilitate strategic engagements with US government officials, policy think tanks, and key stakeholders, and is part of a broader effort by Atiku to rebuild his global profile and reinforce his standing as a viable contender in Nigeria’s next electoral cycle. The move comes amid ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s opposition space, where Atiku remains a prominent figure. ⁴ ⁵
The firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, will provide advisory services on policy positioning, engagement strategy, and reputational management. They will also facilitate meetings between Atiku and US government officials, including members of Congress, and provide guidance on messaging strategies and narrative positioning.
Atiku’s decision to hire a US lobbying firm reflects his efforts to strengthen his international standing and counter narratives promoted by the Nigerian government. The lobbying agreement is registered under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires transparency in dealings involving foreign political interests.
The development has sparked interest in Nigeria’s political landscape, with analysts suggesting that engaging a foreign lobbying firm could help position Atiku more favorably on issues such as governance, economic reforms, and democratic values.
Would you like to know more about Atiku’s political ambitions or the implications of hiring a US lobbying firm?
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