By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has retained Von Batten-Montague-York (VBMY), a Washington-based lobbying and strategic advisory firm, under a $1.2 million agreement aimed at advancing his policy agenda and enhancing his international standing ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
According to filings under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), VBMY registered to act on Atiku’s behalf, describing him as “an international political figure engaged in governance, economic, and public policy issues.”
The 12-month contract, signed on March 9, 2026, covers government affairs and strategic advisory services in the United States. VBMY will provide counsel on U.S. political and national security matters, craft policy messaging, and facilitate engagements with American lawmakers, officials, and other key stakeholders.
“The objectives of this engagement are to advance understanding within U.S. policymaking institutions of the client’s leadership posture and policy vision,” the filing stated. It added that the arrangement seeks to “strengthen Atiku’s reputational standing in Washington and counter competing narratives through lawful advocacy.”
The firm’s activities will include lobbying, public relations, perception management, and the preparation of policy materials aimed at influencing U.S. policy discussions on governance, economic development, and Nigeria’s bilateral relations.
The $1.2 million fee will be paid in installments over the contract period. Under U.S. law, entities representing foreign principals in political or policy matters must register under FARA and publicly disclose their activities.
The deal signals Atiku’s growing push to deepen engagement with international policymakers as Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle.
