Atiku Abubakar’s Washington-based lobbying firm has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 general election, calling for credible evidence of alleged election interference while warning that growing concerns over insecurity and democratic integrity could attract international attention.
The development comes amid escalating tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where rival factions are locked in a dispute over the party’s presidential ticket and the controversial endorsement of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a United States lobbying and strategic communications firm retained by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, announced on Friday that it was seeking documented evidence relating to allegations of political interference involving the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
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The firm specifically appealed to members of the PDP who could provide what it described as “credible, verifiable and indisputable evidence” concerning allegations raised by the Taminu Turaki-led faction of the party.
The faction had accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to frustrate a planned ratification ceremony aimed at endorsing former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election.
According to the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, organisers were informed by the management of A-Class Event Centre that the facility could face sanctions if it hosted the gathering.
The faction insisted that all legal requirements for the event had been fulfilled, including payment for the venue and notification of security agencies.
Responding through its official X account, the US firm disclosed that Atiku had directed it to advocate for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
The company also stated that some members of the United States Congress had requested information concerning alleged political interference and threats to democratic processes in Nigeria.
The lobbying company had earlier signed a contract reportedly worth $1.2 million with Atiku Abubakar in 2026 to strengthen his international engagement and policy outreach efforts.
In a separate statement released earlier this week, the firm criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that concerns over insecurity and electoral integrity continue to dominate public discourse.
The controversy has deepened an already bitter internal crisis within the PDP.
A rival faction aligned with supporters of Nyesom Wike rejected the endorsement of Jonathan, insisting that Senator Sandy Onor had already emerged as the party’s recognised presidential candidate after completing screening and nomination processes.
The faction’s spokesman, Jungudo Mohammed, urged security agencies to investigate those behind what he described as attempts to create confusion and instability within the political system.
Mohammed also called on Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the endorsement exercise.
Adding another dimension to the controversy, the Federal Capital Territory Administration announced new measures aimed at monitoring activities in hotels, event centres and public facilities.
According to a statement issued by the FCT Minister’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, venue owners risk revocation of their title documents if their facilities are used by organisations deemed illegal or capable of threatening public peace and security.
Political observers say the latest developments underscore growing tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with internal party battles, questions over electoral credibility and increasing international attention already shaping the emerging political landscape.
