A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his associates of allegedly working to influence the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The firm, which has been engaged by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, made the allegations in a fresh statement concerning Nigeria’s political situation.
The firm alleged that several institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the judiciary, could be used as instruments to weaken opposition candidates.
EFCC Allegedly Part Of The Strategy
According to the lobbying firm, one of the alleged strategies involves using anti-corruption investigations to put pressure on Atiku and other opposition figures.
The firm claimed that the EFCC could be deployed against political opponents as the 2027 election approaches.
These claims have not been independently established, and the allegations should be understood as the position of an Atiku-linked lobbying organisation.
Firm Raises Wider Election Concerns
Von Batten-Montague-York has increasingly become involved in the political debate surrounding Atiku’s 2027 presidential bid.
The firm has previously announced efforts aimed at advancing Atiku’s interests in Washington and responding to what it describes as political and reputational attacks against the former vice president.
The latest intervention takes the dispute beyond Nigeria’s domestic political arena and into international lobbying.
Tinubu Camp Yet To Establish The Allegation
The allegations by the US-based firm do not constitute evidence that President Tinubu or Nigerian government institutions have actually planned to rig the 2027 election.
The President and the relevant institutions would have the opportunity to respond to the claims.
Nigeria’s electoral process is constitutionally managed by INEC, while the EFCC is responsible for investigating economic and financial crimes.
2027 Contest Intensifies
The allegations come at a time when political parties and opposition groups are increasingly mobilising ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku’s ADC has positioned itself as a major opposition platform, while Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress are working to defend the administration’s record and secure another term.
As the election approaches, disputes over the credibility of institutions and the independence of the electoral process are likely to remain central to political debate.