𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗸𝘂 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗨.𝗦. 𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 $1.2𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 his 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 ahead of the 2027 elections

Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., with $1.2 million, 12-month deal to boost his reputation in the United States.

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

The firm will facilitate meetings with U.S. officials, including Congress members, and provide advisory services on messaging, policy positioning, and public relations.

The engagement aims to shape perceptions of Atiku, counter narratives linked to the Nigerian government, and advance understanding of his leadership and policy vision.

The move comes as Atiku is seen as a potential contender in the 2027 presidential election amid internal turmoil in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following INEC’s derecognition of factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

The lobbying firm said the derecognition thr£atens the opposition’s ability to compete and urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure credible elections.