Atiku Abubakar
Picnews
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to boost his reputation in the United States for $1.2 million. The contract, signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, aims to enhance Atiku’s “reputational standing” among US policymakers and stakeholders.
The lobbying firm will work to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives in the US while advancing understanding of Atiku’s leadership posture and policy vision. This includes facilitating meetings with US government officials and members of Congress, as well as providing guidance on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
The contract is valued at $1.2 million for a 12-month period, payable in six installments. The firm’s activities will 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 US engagement with Nigeria and West Africa.
Atiku’s move comes as he is widely seen as a potential contender in the 2027 presidential election, amid uncertainty within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he and other opposition figures have adopted. The ADC 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.
The lobbying firm has also expressed concerns about INEC’s decision, stating it undermines the “main opposition party”. They have urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure upcoming elections are “beyond reproach” and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
This development follows the federal government’s $9 million contract with a lobbying firm in December 2025 to communicate its actions on protecting Christians in Nigeria to the US government.
