A Washington-based lobbying firm has moved to escalate international pressure , seeking sanctions against officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, following its controversial decision to derecognise factions within the African Democratic Congress.
The firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., said it would engage the administration of Donald Trump and members of the United States Congress to impose punitive measures on Nigerian political actors accused of undermining democratic processes.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the firm expressed concerns over the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in safeguarding credible elections, warning that recent developments mirror irregularities observed during the 2023 general elections.
According to the firm, while INEC has the institutional capacity to conduct credible polls, it has repeatedly faltered when faced with attempts by political actors to manipulate the electoral process.
The lobbying group disclosed that it had commenced engagements with US policymakers and would brief key officials, including members of the National Security Council and congressional leadership, in the coming days.
It criticised what it described as the inaction of the previous US administration during Nigeria’s last election cycle, noting that a Trump-led government would be less likely to “remain passive in the face of an election being openly undermined.”
The firm said it would recommend sanctions under the Global Magnitsky framework, targeting any Nigerian official found to be complicit in electoral malpractice. Proposed measures include asset freezes, restrictions from the global financial system, and travel bans affecting both individuals and their immediate families.
The move follows a $1.2 million lobbying contract reportedly signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in March 2026.
The agreement mandates the firm to influence US policy discussions and manage his international political profile ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle.
INEC’s decision to derecognise rival leadership factions within the African Democratic Congress, including those linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala, has deepened internal divisions within the party and raised concerns among opposition figures.
