US firm linked to Atiku demands proof of election interference in Nigeria

A Washington-based lobbying firm connected to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to provide verifiable evidence of alleged political interference ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The demand follows accusations by a PDP faction led by Taminu Turaki, which claimed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) threatened to shut down an event centre scheduled to host a ratification ceremony for former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate.

The faction alleged that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was behind the threat. It vowed to proceed with the event, saying all necessary requirements had been met.

Reacting to the development, the lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, which was hired by Atiku earlier in 2026 under a $1.2 million contract, stated on its X handle that members of the US Congress had requested assistance in documenting credible allegations of election interference by the current Nigerian government. The firm asked PDP members with verifiable evidence to come forward.

Meanwhile, a rival PDP faction loyal to Wike dismissed the Turaki-led group’s move, questioning its authority to endorse Jonathan. It noted that the party had already cleared Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for 2027.

In a related move, the FCTA threatened to revoke title documents of any event centre or hotel that allows its facilities to be used by what it described as illegal organisations, citing the need to maintain security and peace in the capital.