Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington-based lobbying firm, has warned it might push for sanctions against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
“If insecurity and electoral integrity persist, drastic actions will be taken,” the statement posted on 𝕏 on Wednesday read.
The firm said it was already briefing officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump on developments in Nigeria, including allegations of election interference and violence.
“H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current President, is a statesman with a long and respected legacy. “However, most Nigerians do not have a positive view of his tenure as President,” the firm said.
It added that while it had no authority to influence changes in leadership in Nigeria, such power lies with the citizens.
“As American registered foreign agents, we do not have the power to remove a sitting leader from office, that power lies solely with the Nigerian people,” it said.
The firm said its work in Washington is tied to a contract with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, under which it is obliged to lobby for U.S. action on issues relating to Nigeria’s democracy and security.
“Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar is no enemy, but a brother statesman, who has asked us to speak out for U.S. engagement to end the killing of innocent Nigerians and to insist that the right to free and fair elections be fully respected,” the statement read.
It also cautioned that there is no guarantee of a presidency, saying leadership ultimately depends on the will of the electorate.
“The Nigerian presidency is not your birthright, but a privilege given by the Nigerian people and if the Nigerian people decide you must go, then you must go,” it added.
The firm also said it would pursue punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky framework if evidence emerges linking Nigerian officials to rights abuses or electoral misconduct.
“We will continue to call for US accountability measures, including the possible imposition of Global Magnitsky sanctions, to freeze assets wherever they might be, should credible evidence come to light of complicity in the killing of Christians in Northern Nigeria or of efforts to rig the upcoming presidential election,” it said.
This is a position the firm had taken earlier warning that lapses in protecting credible elections could jeopardize democratic processes.
It said it would engage the US Congress and National Security Council on the matter, saying discussions with policymakers were ongoing.
The effort is tied to a $1.2 million contract signed in March 2026 by Atiku, requiring the firm to help shape policy conversations in Washington, engage US officials, and manage his international profile ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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