Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington-based lobbying firm, to protect and strengthen his reputat
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington-based lobbying firm, to protect and strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The contract agreement was signed by Karl Von Batten, the managing partner at the firm, and Fabiyi Oladimeji, a Nigerian politician, on March 9 and 10, 2026, respectively.
According to the document filed with the US Department of Justice, one of the contract’s objectives entails that the firm will counterbalance the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives in the US.
Based on the contract details, the firm will facilitate and arrange meetings for the former vice-president to engage with US government officials and members of Congress.
Von Batten-Montague-York will also provide Atiku with guidance on policy positioning, reputational considerations, 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 details reads.
“The Registrant (lobbying firm) may advocate for policies and perspectives aligned with the foreign principal’s stated positions, including matters relating to governance, economic policy, and bilateral relations with the United States. The Registrant also engages in promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders of the foreign principal’s policy positions, leadership posture, and strategic priorities.
“This includes the development of messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services.
“In furtherance of these activities, the Registrant prepares, distributes, and may assist in the dissemination of informational materials, including briefing memoranda, policy papers, talking points, and related communications, intended to inform U.S. government officials and stakeholders.”
The former vice-president is expected to pay $1,200,000 for the 12-month contract in six installments.
Atiku is one of the political heavyweights believed to be interested in the 2027 presidential election despite several failed attempts.
The political party — African Democratic Congress (ADC) — adopted by Atiku and other opposition leaders is currently battling a leadership crisis, which may thwart the party’s ability to field candidates for the 2027 elections.
On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that it would no longer recognise the ADC factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following its review of the court of appeal judgement.
On Thursday, the lobbying firm, in a statement published via X, said it would engage with US President Donald Trump and the US Congress over its concerns about how INEC’s decision undermines the “main opposition party”.
The Republican-linked firm asked President Bola Tinubu to “ensure that the conduct and outcome of the upcoming elections are beyond reproach, free from doubt, and fully reflective of the will of the Nigerian people”.
In December 2025, the federal government hired a lobbying firm in a $9 million contract to assist in communicating its actions on protecting Christians in Nigeria to the US government.
In the same month, Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, hired Valcour Global Public Strategy, a Washington-based lobbying firm, for the “purpose of strengthening the bilateral relationship” between the US and Nigeria.
