Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has secured the services of a United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York L.C., in a deal valued at $1.2 million.

Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that the agreement, signed in March 2026, was executed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, alongside Nigerian representative Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice-president.

According to the filing, the partnership is aimed at strengthening Atiku’s profile within U.S. political and policy circles, while addressing narratives associated with the Nigerian government.

The firm is expected to facilitate high-level engagements between Atiku and U.S. officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide strategic advisory services on policy positioning and international relations.

Part of its mandate includes lobbying efforts focused on issues such as democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. relations with Nigeria and the wider West African region.

In addition, the firm will handle perception management and public relations, developing communication strategies to present Atiku’s leadership vision and policy direction to key stakeholders in the United States.

The contract, which spans 12 months, will be executed through six instalments over the agreed period.

The development comes amid growing speculation about Atiku’s potential participation in the 2027 presidential election, particularly within the African Democratic Congress, which he and other opposition figures have recently aligned with.

The party is currently grappling with internal challenges following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to derecognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

In a related statement shared online, the lobbying firm indicated plans to engage U.S. authorities, including Donald Trump and members of Congress, over concerns surrounding the ADC leadership crisis.

It also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that future elections in Nigeria are credible, transparent, and reflective of the will of the people.