Nigeria's former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has entered into a 12-month contract valued at $1.2 million (approximately N1.9 billion) with a United States lobbying firm. This move comes as he reportedly gears up for a potential presidential ticket contest within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to filings submitted to the US Department of Justice, Atiku Abubakar has retained the services of Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington D.C.-based firm. The agreement was signed on March 10 and officially registered with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit on April 1.
The firm is contracted to provide strategic advisory services, engage with the US Congress and executive branches, and manage Atiku Abubakar's reputation. These services are specifically targeted towards US policymakers and institutions.
Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Nigeria's vice president from 1999 to 2007, has a history of seeking the nation's highest office.
This latest political manoeuvre follows a period of realignment, with the ADC emerging as a potential platform for coalition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The scope of the lobbying agreement includes informing and influencing US government officials on matters pertinent to Nigeria, such as democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and bilateral relations.
Furthermore, the firm is tasked with shaping Atiku Abubakar's policy communications, facilitating meetings with US officials, and managing his public image among Washington policymakers.
The contract details four primary objectives: enhancing the understanding of Atiku Abubakar's leadership vision, bolstering his standing in Washington, countering narratives from the current government, and establishing structured relationships with various US institutions.
Services to be rendered also encompass the preparation of policy briefs, organisation of meetings with members of Congress and executive officials, and counsel on political and reputational risks.
The development occurs months after Atiku Abubakar's departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ADC. He is anticipated to contend for the party's presidential ticket against Peter Obi, the Labour Party's candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
It is understood that these lobbying efforts are intended to address longstanding concerns regarding Atiku Abubakar's international standing, particularly in light of past allegations that led to his temporary inability to enter the US.
In 2018, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the former vice president sold a property in Potomac, Maryland, after reportedly being denied entry into the US. The property had previously been a subject of investigation related to a bribery scandal involving a former US Congressman.
Atiku Abubakar has maintained a consistent engagement with American lobbyists and public affairs consultants for over two decades.
In September 2022, he contracted the Public Policy Advocacy and Research Council, a US-based non-profit, for lobbying, public relations, and campaign messaging, with compensation anticipated through exclusive interviews.
Earlier, in 2019, the law firm Fein & DelValle PLLC stated it received $30,000 for advocacy services supporting Atiku Abubakar's presidential campaign.
Between 2018 and 2019, Atiku Abubakar also engaged services to aid his US visa application and arrange political engagements, including a $50,000 agreement with Ambassador Sada Cumber and Holland & Knight LLP. US authorities later reclassified some aspects of this engagement as 'political activities' under FARA.
Filings from October 2018 indicated a proposed $16.5 million agreement involving Cumber and Legacy Logistics LLC, aimed at supporting Atiku Abubakar's campaign strategy and international profile, though the extent of its execution is not fully known.
Additional disclosures include a proposed 2018 arrangement worth $150,000 for facilitating high-level meetings in Washington, which was reportedly unsuccessful. Engagements in 2021 involved US political advisors to assist with visa applications and outreach to government officials, alongside minor political donations channelled through intermediaries.
Atiku Abubakar's involvement with US lobbyists dates back to his tenure as vice president.
In 2005, he retained multiple firms, including Weidenfeld Law Firm for $13,000 per consultation to promote democratic transition in Nigeria, and J.C. Watts Companies on a $120,000 annual retainer for US government relations.
In 2006, he contracted Alexander Strategy Group for $420,000 to advocate for democratic governance and his political viewpoints.
Subsequent contracts included $40,000 paid to APCO Worldwide in 2007 and $60,000 to Qorvis Communications in 2008 for crisis communications and public relations services.
These recent disclosures were obtained from the FARA Unit of the US Department of Justice. This unit enforces a law that mandates foreign agents representing foreign principals to publicly declare their activities, funding, and relationships, ensuring transparency in foreign influence on US policy and political processes.
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