Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has launched a fresh attack on United States-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York over its recent campaign concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fani-Kayode accused the firm of mounting what he described as a sustained attempt to damage the reputation of the Nigerian president and portray him as a dangerous figure.
The former minister made the remarks as controversy continues to grow around statements and legal activities by the lobbying firm, which is working with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Fani-Kayode questioned the motives behind the firm’s campaign and challenged the credibility of some of the claims being circulated about the president.
“You are trying so hard to discredit our president,” Fani-Kayode said, accusing the lobbyists of attempting to portray Tinubu as a “mafia-like gangster” and a callous villain.
He argued that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into what he described as an international campaign aimed at damaging Nigeria’s image.
The former aviation minister’s comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition figures and supporters of the Tinubu administration increasingly trading accusations over the president’s record and personal history.
Fani-Kayode has remained a vocal defender of Tinubu and has repeatedly criticised individuals and organisations challenging the president.
The latest dispute has also generated debate over the role of foreign lobbying firms in Nigerian politics, particularly when such firms become involved in controversies surrounding presidential candidates.
The US-based firm has continued to attract attention over its activities on behalf of Atiku, while supporters of the president have accused it of pursuing a political agenda against Tinubu.
The controversy is expected to remain part of the wider political battle as the 2027 election approaches.