Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million, 12-month agreement aimed at strengthening his reputation and political positioning in the United States.

 

Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that the contract was signed between March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, who acted on Atiku’s behalf.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, the firm is expected to facilitate high-level engagements with U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, while also providing strategic advisory services on messaging, policy positioning, and public relations.

 

The engagement is designed to shape international perceptions of Atiku, counter narratives associated with the Nigerian government, and promote a clearer understanding of his leadership vision and policy direction.

 

The development comes at a time when Atiku is widely viewed as a potential contender in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. It also coincides with ongoing instability within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to derecognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

 

In its filing, the lobbying firm warned that the electoral commission’s action could weaken opposition participation in future elections. It also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the conduct of credible and transparent polls.

 

Political analysts say the move signals Atiku’s intention to consolidate international support and rebuild his global profile ahead of a potentially competitive electoral cycle in Nigeria.