Atiku Abubakar signs $1.2m US lobbying deal to improve reputation
Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to enhance his image in the United States. The agreement, valued at $1.2 million, aims to shape perceptions of Atiku among U.S. policymakers and counter narratives linked to the Nigerian government. The firm will also facilitate meetings between Atiku and U.S. officials, and provide advisory services on policy positioning. The deal comes amid ongoing uncertainty within the African Democratic Congress, which Atiku and other opposition figures have adopted.
Key takeaways
- Documents show the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by Karl Von Batten and Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of Atiku Abubakar.
- The contract aims to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives in the United States.
- The firm will arrange meetings for Atiku with U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, and provide advisory services.
- The lobbying firm, in a statement on April 2, said it would engage U.S. authorities, including President Donald Trump, over INEC’s derecognition of the ADC leadership.
- The firm also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure future elections are fair and reflect the will of the people.
