Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has signed a $1.2 million (about N1.9 billion) contract with a United States lobbying firm as he intensifies moves ahead of a likely presidential ticket contest within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Atiku engaged Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington-based lobbying firm, under a 12-month deal signed on 10 March and formally registered with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit on 1 April.
According to the filing, the firm will provide strategic advisory, congressional and executive branch engagement, and reputational management services targeted at the US policymakers and institutions for Atiku.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2007, has contested the presidency multiple times.
The lobbying firm will “inform and, where appropriate, influence” the US government officials on issues relating to Nigeria, including democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and bilateral relations.
The firm is also expected to shape Atiku’s policy messaging, coordinate meetings with the US officials, and manage his perception among policymakers in Washington.
The agreement outlines four key objectives: advancing understanding of Atiku’s leadership vision, strengthening his reputation in Washington, countering narratives from incumbent authorities, and building structured relationships across US institutions.
The services include preparing policy briefs, arranging meetings with members of Congress and executive officials, and advising on political and reputational risks.
