A Washington-based lobbying group, Von Batten-Montague-York, has warned that it will recommend global sanctions against Nigerian politicians and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials found attempting to interfere with the country’s elections.
The firm, speaking amid rising international concern over electoral malpractice in Nigeria, said it will identify individuals involved in election rigging and refer them to the US President and Congress for potential penalties, including asset freezes and travel bans.
“We will recommend that Global Magnitsky sanctions be imposed on any Nigerian politician or INEC official engaged in undermining Nigeria’s elections. These measures should include freezing all foreign assets, restricting access to the global financial system, and imposing travel bans on individuals and their immediate family members.”
Concerns Over INEC’s Vulnerabilities
While acknowledging that INEC has the institutional capacity to conduct credible federal elections, Von Batten-Montague-York highlighted repeated weaknesses exposed during the 2023 general elections and warned that similar patterns may be emerging.
The firm added that it has been sharing these concerns with US lawmakers and plans to brief congressional leadership and the National Security Council, stressing that the current US administration is unlikely to remain passive if electoral integrity is threatened.
Atiku Abubakar’s Connection
This warning comes shortly after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar engaged the firm to bolster his reputation in the United States. Contracts filed with the US Department of Justice indicate the firm will arrange meetings between Atiku and US officials, while countering the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives.
The contracts, signed in March 2026 by Karl Von Batten of the firm and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, include objectives to protect Atiku’s standing and influence discussions on Nigeria within US political circles.
