Atiku-linked lobby firm pushes US sanctions over Nigeria’s insecurity

A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, warning that it could push for sanctions if concerns over insecurity and electoral integrity persist.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, the firm said it was already briefing officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump on developments in Nigeria, particularly allegations of election interference and violence.

“H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria, is a statesman with a long and respected legacy. Nevertheless, his tenure as President is not viewed favourably by a majority of Nigerians,” the firm stated.

It added that it had no authority to influence leadership changes in Nigeria, as such power rests with citizens.

“As American-registered foreign agents, we have no authority to remove a sitting leader from office; that power rests exclusively with the Nigerian people,” it said.

The firm disclosed that its engagement in Washington is tied to a contract with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, under which it was mandated to advocate for US involvement on issues relating to Nigeria’s democracy and security.

“Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not your adversary, but a fellow statesman who has directed us to advocate for US engagement aimed at ending the killing of innocent Nigerians and ensuring that the right to free and fair elections is fully respected,” the statement read.

It further warned that the Presidency is not guaranteed, stressing that leadership ultimately depends on the will of the electorate.

“The Nigerian presidency is not your birthright, but a privilege bestowed by the Nigerian people, and if the Nigerian people decide you have to go, then you have to go,” it added.

The firm also threatened to push for punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky framework if evidence emerges linking Nigerian officials to rights violations or electoral malpractice.

“We will continue to advocate for appropriate US accountability measures, including consideration of Global Magnitsky sanctions, to freeze assets wherever located, should credible evidence establish complicity in the killing of Christians in Northern Nigeria or in efforts to rig the upcoming presidential election,” it stated.

The development follows an earlier position by the firm in which it raised concerns over the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, warning that weaknesses in safeguarding credible elections could undermine democratic processes.

It said it would engage the US Congress and National Security Council on the matter, noting that discussions with policymakers were ongoing.

The lobbying effort is linked to a $1.2m contract signed in March 2026 by Atiku, which mandates the firm to shape policy conversations in Washington, engage US officials and manage his international profile ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku had, while reacting to Tinubu’s recent remarks suggesting that insecurity would not force him out of office, described the stance as troubling and disconnected from reality, confronting millions of Nigerians.

Tinubu recently alleged that the opposition had planted insecurity to stop him from re-election in the 2027 general elections.

However, in a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Wednesday, Atiku said, “It is not political opponents who will judge this administration—it is the blood of innocent Nigerians being shed daily across our land. That blood cries out louder than any declaration of political resolve,” he said.

Atiku added, “It is horrifying that the memories of innocent citizens—slain due to the failure of government to provide adequate security—would be so casually reduced to political rhetoric,” he said.