Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has secured the services of Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million agreement aimed at strengthening his reputation and countering narratives by the Nigerian government in the United States.

The contract, signed in March 2026, outlines plans for the firm to facilitate high-level engagements between Atiku and key US policymakers, including members of Congress and executive officials. It will also provide strategic advisory on policy positioning, public relations, and reputation management.

According to filings with the US Department of Justice, the firm is expected to advocate positions aligned with Atiku’s views on governance, economic development, and Nigeria-US relations, while promoting his leadership vision among American stakeholders.

The agreement comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections and internal challenges within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition platform linked to Atiku and other political figures.

Notably, Nigeria’s electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recently declined to recognise factions within the ADC, raising concerns about the party’s readiness for upcoming elections.
The lobbying firm has also indicated interest in engaging the administration of Donald Trump and US lawmakers on issues surrounding Nigeria’s democratic process, urging transparency and credibility in future elections.

Atiku is expected to pay the contract sum over a 12-month period in six instalments.