A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has warned that the US would not accept any attempt by President Bola Tinubu to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The firm made the statement in a post published on its verified X account on Thursday, September 24, 2026, as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify.
Von Batten-Montague-York said the United States has strategic interests in Nigeria and the wider West African region, arguing that credible elections would be important to those interests.
“The US cannot afford to allow President Tinubu to rig the upcoming Nigerian election,” the firm stated.
It further alleged that concerns about governance and corruption in Nigeria were becoming increasingly widespread across political divides.
According to the firm, the situation could have implications for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States and other international partners.
Firm raises concerns over 2027 election
Von Batten-Montague-York alleged that the Nigerian government under Tinubu was moving towards what it described as a pattern of lawlessness.
The firm compared the situation with developments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, countries that have experienced military takeovers and significant changes in their political systems.
“This level of lawlessness in the Nigerian government puts Nigeria on a path similar to those seen in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso,” the firm said.
It added that free and fair elections in Nigeria would be important to protecting American interests in Nigeria and across the broader region.
However, the statement was made by the lobbying firm and does not establish that the US government has adopted the position expressed in the post.
The firm did not provide evidence in the statement showing that Washington had formally determined that President Tinubu planned to rig the 2027 election.
Firm makes corruption allegation
The lobbying firm also alleged that there was a growing consensus, regardless of political affiliation, that the Nigerian government and Tinubu represented what it called a “bastion of corruption.”
It linked the allegation to what it described as an appointment involving a Nigerian minister responsible for the country’s budget.
According to the firm, Tinubu appointed an individual whom it said the US Department of Justice had previously accused of embezzling billions of dollars from Nigeria’s treasury during an earlier administration.
The claim was included as part of the firm’s broader criticism of the Nigerian government.
The statement did not provide additional details about the alleged appointment or cite the specific US Department of Justice document supporting the allegation.
Lobbying firm has Atiku connection
Von Batten-Montague-York’s comments come amid its ongoing involvement in Nigerian political affairs.
The firm was hired by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2026 under a government affairs and strategic advisory agreement filed with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
The filing shows that the agreement was for government affairs representation and strategic advisory services in the United States.
TheCable reported in September that the agreement was valued at $1.2 million for a 12-month period. It said the contract was aimed at strengthening Atiku’s reputational standing in Washington and counterbalancing narratives from the Nigerian government.
Atiku remains a political figure involved in preparations for the 2027 election, making the firm’s public comments about Tinubu part of a wider political dispute.
The firm’s previous statements have also focused on allegations involving electoral integrity, political intimidation and Nigeria’s relationship with the United States. Earlier reports showed that it had warned of possible US sanctions over concerns about insecurity and elections.
2027 election preparations continue
The latest statement comes as political parties and politicians continue preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has responsibility for conducting federal elections in Nigeria, while the constitutional process provides for Nigerian voters to determine the country’s elected leadership.
The US-based firm’s warning therefore represents an external political advisory firm’s assessment rather than an official announcement from Washington.
Its latest statement nevertheless highlights the international attention surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The firm argued that credible elections would serve both Nigeria’s democratic process and American interests in the region.
“The US cannot afford to allow President Tinubu to rig the upcoming Nigerian election,” it said.
As political competition ahead of 2027 develops, claims about electoral integrity, government conduct and foreign involvement are likely to remain subjects of debate among Nigerian political actors and international observers.
