A United States-based lobbying firm representing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of allegedly attempting to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, made the allegation in a statement published on X while reacting to the reported Federal High Court judgment concerning the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to the lobbyist, the timing of the court ruling was suspicious, coming amid what it described as growing political support for Atiku and concerns within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the opposition’s campaign.
The firm also linked the development to political developments in the United States, alleging that the Republican-controlled Congress was facing pressure from Democrats preparing to investigate Tinubu’s mining Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Von Batten-Montague-York claimed that the Nigerian government had chosen an unfavourable time to pursue what it described as an alleged attempt to influence the 2027 presidential election.
It further alleged that officials of the Tinubu administration held a meeting on Wednesday night following the large turnout recorded at Atiku’s campaign rally in Sokoto State.
However, the firm did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim that such a meeting took place or that it was connected to the court judgment.
The lobbying firm also alleged that the court ruling was politically motivated and aimed at frustrating Atiku’s presidential ambition.
It said it was gathering additional information and planned to engage senior officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump, as well as Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress.
The firm warned that what it described as alleged attempts by the Nigerian government could heighten political tensions and potentially lead to unrest, with possible consequences for American interests and regional stability.
The allegations add an international dimension to the controversy surrounding the ADC leadership dispute and the reported court decision affecting the Senator David Mark-led leadership.
The ADC has indicated that it will challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
