Atiku-linked US firm seeks evidence of election interference in Nigeria

A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has issued a public call for evidence of political interference in Nigeria's upcoming 2027 general elections. The firm, which has a contract with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is seeking verifiable information from members of a specific faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The request follows allegations from the Taminu Turaki-led PDP faction, which claims there is a plot to prevent the ratification ceremony for former President Goodluck Jonathan as their presidential candidate. The faction, through its National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, of threatening to shut down the event venue. Despite these threats, the faction vowed the event would proceed as planned, stating they had met all venue requirements.

Von Batten-Montague-York stated on its X account that Abubakar instructed the firm to advocate for free and fair elections in Nigeria. The firm also revealed that members of the U.S. Congress have asked for assistance in documenting credible claims of election and political interference by the current Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu. They specifically asked PDP members to email [email protected] with "credible, verifiable, and indisputable evidence regarding the reported election interference."

The endorsement of Jonathan for 2027 has further fractured the PDP. A rival camp, reportedly aligned with Minister Wike, has questioned the legitimacy of the Turaki-led faction's endorsement. This comes after Senator Sandy Onor was officially presented as the PDP's presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The Wike-backed faction has called for an investigation into those attempting to create political tension within the party.

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We would like to speak with members of the PDP (@OfficialPDPNig) who can provide credible, verifiable, and indisputable evidence regarding the reported election interference by @GovWike described below.