Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar don enter one serious agreement with US lobbying firm wey dey cost $1.2 million. The deal na with Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., one Washington-based firm wey go work for Atiku side for 12 months.
Dem sign the contract on March 9 and 10, 2026. Karl Von Batten, wey be managing partner for the firm, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji na dem put signature for the documents. Everything don reach US Department of Justice for filing.
Wetin dey inside the agreement? The firm go work to counter wetin Nigerian federal government dey talk for America side. Dem go arrange meetings with US officials on behalf of Atiku. The whole thing na to protect and enhance Atiku “reputational standing” for United States.
Na $1.2 million total professional fee wey dem go pay in six installments. Under US law, any entity wey dey represent foreign principal for political matters must register under Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This one don follow that rule.
The firm go provide counsel on US lawmakers, government officials and other stakeholders. Dem talk say the objectives na to advance understanding within US about Atiku policy positions. Dem also go try strengthen Atiku reputation for Washington and counter competing narratives through lawful advocacy.
Activities wey dem list include lobbying, public relations, perception management and preparation of policy materials to influence US-Nigeria bilateral relations. The firm don already indicate interest to raise concerns for Washington about Nigeria opposition landscape.
This development dey happen as political activities for Nigeria dey hot. Opposition figures and coalitions dey position themselves ahead of 2027 general elections. Atiku dey desperately seek to unseat President Bola Tinubu for 2027, and this lobbying deal na part of him move to garner support from US.
Atiku currently dey aligned with African Democratic Congress (ADC), but the party dey face internal divisions wey fit affect electoral readiness. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) don talk say dem no go recognize factions within the party after court ruling.
The lobbying firm don call on US President Donald Trump and lawmakers to take note of developments affecting Nigeria opposition landscape. This na as ADC coalition leaders dey weigh APP and NDC as Plan B after INEC action.
Atiku contract reflect broader pattern of Nigerian political and business figures wey dey seek representation for Washington. Federal government previously secure $9 million deal with another firm to present its record on religious freedom issues.
Private sector interests also pursue similar arrangements around same period to strengthen ties between both countries. These engagements point to growing efforts to shape international opinion on Nigeria political and economic direction.
For 2022 run-up to last general election, Atiku don travel to United States to secure support from top government officials ahead of 2023 elections. Him and him campaign team for US make concerted efforts to lobby influential members of Congress for endorsement.
The current $1.2 million deal signals renewed push by former vice president to deepen engagement with international policymakers as Nigeria political landscape continues to evolve. The one-year engagement focused on government affairs and strategic advisory services within United States.
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