U.S LOBBYING FIRM PUSHES FOR SANCTIONS OVER INEC’S DECISIONON ADC

A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York L.C., linked to a $1.2 million contract reportedly signed in March 2026 by former Vice President ATIKU ABUBAKAR, has disclosed plans to urge the United States authorities, including President DONALD TRUMP and members of Congress, to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, (INEC) de-recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

In a statement released yesterday, the firm expressed concerns about INEC’s handling of Nigeria’s electoral process, citing both past and emerging challenges and acknowledged that although the commission has the technical capacity to conduct credible elections, it has failed to withstand political interference.

The lobbying firm insisted that such weaknesses were evident during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and may be resurfacing ahead of the 2027 polls, adding that it has begun engaging U.S. policymakers on the matter as efforts are ongoing to brief key lawmakers and senior officials within the National Security Council.

The firm stated that it would recommend sanctions under the Global Magnitsky framework against any Nigerian politician or INEC official found to be undermining the electoral process. 

Proposed measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on access to the global financial system for affected individuals and their families.