Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has taken his political battle internationally, sealing a $1.2 million deal with a Washington-based lobbying powerhouse to boost his image and counter the Federal Government’s influence in the United States.
The firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, was contracted to defend and strengthen Atiku’s “reputational standing” while pushing back against what the agreement describes as Nigeria’s official lobbying narratives in Washington.
The deal, signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by managing partner Karl Von Batten and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, was formally filed with the US Department of Justice.
Under the agreement, the firm is expected to open doors for Atiku at the highest levels, facilitating strategic meetings with US government officials, members of Congress, and key policy influencers.
It will also provide critical advisory support on messaging, policy positioning, and overall engagement strategy aimed at reshaping perceptions of the former vice-president.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract details reads.
“The Registrant (lobbying firm) may advocate for policies and perspectives aligned with the foreign principal’s stated positions, including matters relating to governance, economic policy, and bilateral relations with the United States.
“The Registrant also engages in promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders of the foreign principal’s policy positions, leadership posture, and strategic priorities.
“This includes the development of messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services.
“In furtherance of these activities, the Registrant prepares, distributes, and may assist in the dissemination of informational materials, including briefing memoranda, policy papers, talking points, and related communications, intended to inform U.S. government officials and stakeholders.”
The contract will run for 12 months, with payments spread across six installments.
Atiku, a serial presidential contender, is widely believed to be gearing up for another shot at power in 2027, but his political platform is facing internal crisis.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted by Atiku and other opposition figures, is currently engulfed in a leadership crisis that could derail its chances ahead of the elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would no longer recognise rival factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, citing a court of appeal ruling.
The lobbying firm has already started work, engaging directly with US President Donald Trump and Congress over concerns that INEC’s decision weakens Nigeria’s main opposition.
In its message, the firm urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure upcoming elections are transparent and credible, warning against any outcome that could cast doubt on the will of the people.
Atiku’s move comes amid an ongoing influence in Washington.
In December 2025, the Federal Government itself signed a $9 million lobbying contract to push its narrative on religious protection in Nigeria.
In the same period, Matthew Tonlagha of Tantita Security Services hired another US-based firm, Valcour Global Public Strategy, to strengthen Nigeria-US relations.
With millions of dollars now fueling competing narratives in Washington, the battle for global perception, and political advantage ahead of 2027, has clearly gone international.
