U.S. Lobby Firm Criticizes Tinubu, Warns of Sanctions

The Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten Montagu York L.C. has issued a warning to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu regarding the persistent issues of insecurity and electoral integrity in Nigeria. The firm, which is contracted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, aims to advocate for U.S. involvement in addressing these concerns.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, the firm expressed that the current administration under Tinubu does not favorably view major Nigerian firms and emphasized that leadership should depend on the electorate, not be viewed as a birthright. The firm threatened to push for punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky framework if credible evidence of human rights violations and electoral malpractice emerges.

They also raised concerns about the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, warning that weak safeguards could undermine the democratic process. The contract with Atiku Abubakar, signed in March 2026, is valued at $1.2 million and focuses on shaping policy discussions in Washington ahead of the 2027 general elections.