Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million contract aimed at strengthening his reputation in the United States and engaging with key policymakers.
According to documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, the contract—signed in March 2026—tasks the firm with enhancing Atiku’s “reputational standing,” facilitating meetings with U.S. government officials and members of Congress, and advancing understanding of his leadership and policy positions.
The agreement also indicates that the firm will engage in lobbying and government affairs activities related to governance, economic development, regional stability, and U.S.–Nigeria relations. It will provide strategic guidance on messaging, policy positioning, and public relations, as well as assist in preparing briefing materials and policy documents for stakeholders.
The firm is expected to receive $1.2 million over a 12-month period, paid in installments.
The development comes as Atiku remains politically active ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with reports linking him to opposition efforts under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has recently faced internal leadership disputes.
The lobbying firm also stated it would engage with U.S. officials on concerns related to Nigeria’s political environment, including issues surrounding opposition parties and electoral processes.
This follows a broader trend of Nigerian political figures and institutions engaging international lobbying firms to shape foreign policy perceptions and strengthen bilateral relations with the United States.
