Atiku-linked US lobby firm alleges Tinubu plans to use EFCC against political opponents

A Washington-based lobbying firm representing former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his associates are attempting to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election by using state institutions against political opponents.

Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., made the allegation in a statement posted on its X account, claiming it had briefed members of the Donald Trump administration and the United States Congress over what it described as threats to the credibility of Nigeria’s forthcoming presidential election.

The firm specifically alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had attempted to “purge” opposition candidates, while accusing the Nigerian judiciary of being used to intimidate political opponents.

It further claimed that the latest alleged move involved the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that an individual connected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had given the commission a 14-day ultimatum to arrest Atiku Abubakar.

According to the firm, the development represented an attempt to use Nigeria’s law-enforcement machinery to eliminate a major political opponent ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“We have made it clear to members of the #Trump Administration and Congress that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is actively working to rig the upcoming Nigerian presidential election,” the firm said.

It added that the United States Department of State was monitoring Nigeria’s electoral process and that it intended to brief both the department and members of Congress on the latest allegation.

Von Batten-Montague-York said it was in the interest of the United States to ensure that Nigeria conducted a free and fair election, urging that individuals and organisations allegedly seeking to undermine the electoral process should be held accountable.

The allegations come amid increasing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with Atiku among opposition figures positioning themselves to challenge President Tinubu.

Von Batten-Montague-York has previously criticised the Tinubu administration over alleged political intimidation and electoral interference. In April, the firm said it was engaging officials in the Trump administration over concerns about Nigeria’s security and electoral integrity.

However, the latest allegations by the firm have not, in the material reviewed for this report, been independently established. The claims concerning INEC, the judiciary, Tinubu, the APC and the alleged EFCC ultimatum remain allegations by the Atiku-linked lobbying firm and would require responses from the affected institutions and individuals.

The firm’s involvement in Atiku’s international advocacy is also established. 

Recall that Atiku had reportedly hired Von Batten-Montague-York in April 2026 under a contract worth $1.2 million annually to work on his reputational standing in the United States.

Recall also that Von Batten-Montague-York had accused President Tinubu of attempting to bribe him with $3 million which allegedly turned down.

President Tinubu's aides have however described the bribe allegation as false and a figment of imagination.