Von Batten Firm Claims $3M Offer to Drop Tinubu Campaign

Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., operating as a Washington-based policy and advocacy organization, disclosed that an individual with ties to President Bola Tinubu had approached its managing partner, Dr. Karl Von Batten, with a financial proposition aimed at halting the firm's campaign regarding the president's historical records. The overture allegedly included a $3 million payment and an invitation to a confidential gathering in London.

This contact supposedly took place several days before the firm made its announcement public. Dr. Von Batten rejected the proposition and expressed his intention to alert pertinent authorities.

Previously, the firm maintained professional engagement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under a reported $1.2 million arrangement. The allegation became public on September 2 and 3, 2026.

Presidency officials dismissed the claims as political maneuvering, declining to engage substantively with specific details. Atiku's standing as the African Democratic Congress presidential contender in recent elections provided context for why and when the disclosure occurred.

On September 2, 2026, President Donald Trump appointed Von Batten to a White House presidential commission. Public notification of this appointment came through the firm's official channels the following day.

Originally a Nigerian national, Von Batten has pursued sustained involvement in political and policy matters spanning both the United States and Nigeria. The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, a civil society organization, issued commentary on September 4 highlighting the political significance of the appointment in light of Von Batten's documented associations with Atiku and his firm's work on Nigerian political issues.

The forum's remarks underscored the connection between Von Batten's new federal role and his earlier activity with Nigerian political personalities. As of this time, no formal investigation has been announced by either U.S. or Nigerian government entities regarding the alleged $3 million offer.