Prosper Okoye
Former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has retained a Washington-based lobbying firm in a $1.2 million, year-long effort to bolster his standing in the United States and engage policymakers ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential race.
Filings with the U.S. Department of Justice show that Atiku contracted Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. in March through an agreement signed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji acting on his behalf.
The contract outlines plans to shape perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles, including countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government and promoting his leadership profile and policy positions. The firm is also tasked with arranging meetings with U.S. officials, including members of Congress, and advising on engagement strategy.
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According to the filing, the firm will carry out lobbying and government affairs outreach focused on democratic governance, regional stability, economic development and U.S. relations with Nigeria and West Africa. It will also provide messaging and public relations support aimed at strengthening Atiku’s reputation among policymakers.
The agreement is valued at $1.2 million over 12 months, to be paid in six instalments.
The move comes as Atiku is widely viewed as a potential contender in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. His political platform, the African Democratic Congress, is grappling with internal disputes after Nigeria’s electoral body moved to derecognise rival leadership factions.
In a statement posted on April 2, the lobbying firm said it would engage U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and members of Congress, over the electoral body’s actions. It argued that the move risks undermining the opposition’s ability to organise ahead of the next election and urged Nigerian authorities to ensure credible polls.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
