US lobby firm warns of sanctions over election rigging

Von Batten-Montague-York, a lobbying firm based in Washington, United States, has said it will recommend sanctions against Nigerian politicians and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who attempt to manipulate or undermine the country’s electoral process in 2027.

The warning came amid growing global concern over electoral malpractices in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the firm said it would begin spotlighting electoral officials and individuals involved in election rigging in the country.

It said those implicated would be recommended to the office of the US President and the US Congress for global sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans.

“We will recommend to the Office of the President and Congress that Global Magnitsky sanctions be imposed on any Nigerian politician or official of INEC who engages in efforts to rig Nigeria’s ongoing electoral process,” the firm said.

“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,” it added.

The firm added that although the US State Department has previously said INEC possesses the institutional capacity to conduct credible federal elections, the Commission has often shown weaknesses when confronted with deliberate attempts by political actors to interfere in the voting process.

According to the group, such vulnerabilities were evident during the 2023 elections, warning that “current developments suggest the same pattern may be emerging again.”

Although the US Congress is currently on Easter recess, Von Batten-Montague-York said it is already sharing the State Department’s concerns with key lawmakers and plans to brief congressional leadership and senior officials at the US National Security Council early next week.

The firm also drew a contrast between the administrations of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, suggesting a tougher stance may emerge.

“Unlike the Biden Administration, which took no meaningful action in 2023, it is not in President Donald Trump’s nature to remain passive in the face of an election being openly undermined,” the statement said.

Von Batten-Montague-York said its objective is to ensure accountability for politicians or INEC officials who compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar recently hired the firm to protect and strengthen his reputational standing in the United States. The contract agreement was signed by Karl Von Batten, managing partner at the firm, and Fabiyi Oladimeji, a Nigerian politician, on March 9 and 10, 2026, respectively.

Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that part of the contract requires the firm to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives in Washington.

Under the agreement, the firm will also arrange meetings for Atiku with US government officials and members of Congress, while providing guidance on policy positioning, reputational considerations and engagement strategy.