Abuja – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly secured the services of a United States-based lobbying firm in a deal valued at $1.2 million, in what observers describe as an early move to bolster his international standing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to filings submitted under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the Washington-based firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, was engaged in March 2026 to provide lobbying, strategic communications, and reputational advisory services.
The agreement reportedly outlines plans for the firm to facilitate high-level engagements between Atiku and key U.S. policymakers, including members of Congress and officials within the executive arm of government. It also includes responsibilities around shaping policy narratives, managing public perception, and advancing the former vice president’s international policy outlook.
Sources familiar with the contract indicate that the $1.2 million arrangement is structured over a 12-month period, with payments to be made in instalments throughout the duration of the engagement.
The development comes amid intensifying political alignments ahead of 2027, with Atiku widely projected as a major contender. Analysts say the move underscores a growing trend among Nigerian political figures to leverage international platforms as part of broader campaign and influence strategies.
While there has been no official public statement from Atiku’s camp at the time of filing, the reported deal is already drawing attention within political and diplomatic circles as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum.
