The appointment of Dr Karl Von Batten, managing partner of Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to a presidential commission by United States President Donald Trump has created fresh political discussion around former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum and signed by its President, Chief Akin Malaolu said Von Batten’s appointment is significant because his firm was reportedly engaged by Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, earlier this year to provide government-affairs, strategic advisory and lobbying services in the United States.
The statement said the reported 12-month agreement, valued at $1.2 million, was registered under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act.
It added that the lobbying firm was expected to promote Atiku’s policy positions and leadership profile among US policymakers, facilitate engagements with members of Congress and officials of the executive branch, and provide strategic advice on policy positioning and reputation.
Von Batten-Montague-York announced Von Batten’s appointment on Thursday, describing it as an honour and a reflection of his commitment to public service and leadership.
Reacting to the development, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum said the appointment had given Atiku’s campaign and the ADC greater international significance.
The group, however, acknowledged that there was no evidence that Trump appointed Von Batten because of his professional relationship with Atiku.
Despite this, the forum argued that the development was politically significant, particularly given Atiku’s reported investment in lobbying and advocacy efforts in Washington.
It said the development showed that Nigeria’s 2027 political contest could extend beyond the country’s borders, with issues such as democracy, governance, the economy and Nigeria’s international reputation likely to attract attention in global policy circles.
The group also claimed that Von Batten’s firm had become increasingly vocal on Nigerian political issues, including electoral integrity and the policies of the Tinubu administration.
The forum questioned whether the growing international visibility of the opposition should be a concern for the Federal Government if it is confident about its democratic record and international standing.
“The emerging picture is unmistakable. Atiku has invested in professional advocacy in Washington, and the man leading that effort has now been entrusted with a role on a US presidential commission,” the group said.
It described the development as an indication that the international dimension of Nigeria’s 2027 political contest was gaining momentum.
“The message from Washington is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: Nigeria’s opposition is building international visibility, and Atiku’s Washington strategy is putting his political message in increasingly influential circles,” the statement added.
