A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the state of insecurity and concerns surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process, raising the possibility of sanctions if the situation does not improve.
The firm made its position known in a statement released on Wednesday via its official X handle.
It disclosed that it has already begun engaging officials within the administration of US President Donald Trump, drawing attention to developments in Nigeria.
These include allegations of election interference and rising cases of violence across parts of the country.
In the statement, the firm acknowledged Tinubu’s long-standing political career but suggested that public perception of his current administration is largely negative.
It stated that, “H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria, is a statesman with a long and respected legacy. Nevertheless, his tenure as President is not viewed favourably by a majority of Nigerians.”
The Washington lobby group, however, clarified its role. It said it does not have the authority to determine Nigeria’s leadership, stressing that such decisions remain solely in the hands of the Nigerian electorate.
“As American registered foreign agents, we have no authority to remove a sitting leader from office; that power rests exclusively with the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
The firm explained that its actions are based on an existing agreement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Under the deal, it is tasked with pushing for greater US engagement on issues affecting Nigeria’s democracy and security environment.
Defending its mandate, the firm said Atiku’s directive is focused on addressing critical national concerns rather than political rivalry.
It stated, “Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not your adversary, but a fellow statesman who has directed us to advocate for US engagement aimed at ending the killing of innocent Nigerians and ensuring that the right to free and fair elections is fully respected.”
It went further to caution the presidency against any sense of entitlement, reminding that leadership in a democracy is determined by the will of the people.
“The Nigerian presidency is not your birthright, but a privilege bestowed by the Nigerian people, and if the Nigerian people decide you have to go, then you have to go,” the statement noted.
Of particular concern was the firm’s warning on possible punitive actions. It hinted at invoking the Global Magnitsky framework if there is credible evidence linking Nigerian officials to human rights abuses or electoral malpractice.
According to the statement, such measures could involve freezing of assets tied to implicated individuals.
“We will continue to advocate for appropriate US accountability measures, including consideration of Global Magnitsky sanctions, to freeze assets wherever located, should credible evidence establish complicity in the killing of Christians in Northern Nigeria or in efforts to rig the upcoming presidential election,” it said.
The development comes amid growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The firm had earlier raised concerns about the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, warning that any lapses in ensuring credible elections could weaken democratic trust.
It also revealed that it plans to intensify its engagement with key US institutions, including Congress and the National Security Council, as discussions on Nigeria continue among policymakers in Washington.
Findings show that the lobbying effort is backed by a $1.2 million contract signed by Atiku in March 2026. The agreement mandates the firm to influence policy conversations, engage top US officials, and manage Atiku’s international image ahead of the 2027 general elections.
