Trump's Appointment of Atiku's Lobbyist Shakes 2027 Race

The political battle for Nigeria's 2027 presidential election has escalated with United States President Donald Trump's appointment of Dr. Karl Von Batten, managing partner of Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to a White House presidential commission. This appointment is significant as Von Batten's firm was engaged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar earlier in 2023 under a $1.2 million, 12-month contract to provide government-affairs and strategic-advisory services in the U.S.

The contract aims to promote Atiku's policy positions and enhance his profile among U.S. policymakers, including engagement with Congress and executive-branch officials. The firm is tasked with developing messaging to improve understanding of Atiku's leadership and counter narratives associated with the Nigerian government.

This development places Von Batten at the center of Atiku's strategy to strengthen his presence in Washington ahead of the upcoming election, positioning him as a significant player against President Bola Tinubu.