Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has signed a $1.2 million lobbying contract with a United States firm as political activity builds ahead of a possible African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential primary for the 2027 election. The 12-month agreement was signed on March 10 and registered with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act on April 1.
The Washington-based firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., is expected to provide strategic advisory services, engage the US Congress and executive branch, and manage Atiku’s reputation among policymakers and institutions in Washington.
The filing says the arrangement is intended to influence US officials on issues relating to Nigeria, including democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and bilateral relations. It also outlines plans to shape Atiku’s policy messaging, coordinate meetings with US officials, and strengthen his standing in Washington.
The agreement lists four broad objectives. These include promoting 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 also include preparing policy briefs, arranging meetings with members of Congress and executive officials, and advising on political and reputational risks.
The development comes amid fresh political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ADC emerging as a possible coalition platform. Premium Times reported that Atiku is expected to face former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in the contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
The report also places the new contract within Atiku’s longer history of lobbying and public affairs engagements in the United States. It says earlier disclosures involved lobbying, visa-related advocacy, political outreach, and reputation management efforts spanning more than two decades.
The latest disclosure was sourced from filings held by the FARA Unit of the US Department of Justice, which requires public reporting of certain foreign lobbying and influence activities in the United States.
