Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to polish his image in the United States.
Records filed with the US Department of Justice show the deal was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji.
The contract aims to shape how US policymakers see Atiku and push back against narratives coming from the Nigerian government.
One key point in the deal says the firm will “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the US and promote Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among important officials.
As part of the arrangement, the firm will set up meetings for Atiku with US government leaders, including Congress members, and advise him on how to handle policy discussions and public engagement.
“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,” the contract reads.
It also says the firm will handle “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” about Atiku’s positions.
“This includes the development of messaging strategies, narrative positioning, and reputational advisory services,” the filing added.
The agreement is valued at $1.2 million for a 12-month period, payable in six instalments.
The move comes as Atiku is tipped as a possible candidate for the 2027 presidential election, while uncertainty continues in the African Democratic Congress over leadership crisis.
