Recalling past shortcomings, Von Batten-Montague-York added, “This was evident during the 2023 Nigerian elections, and current developments suggest the same pattern may be emerging again.”
Von Batten-Montague-York, a United States policy advisory and lobbying firm engaged by African Democratic Congress’s Atiku Abubakar, has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amid growing concerns over the integrity of upcoming elections.
Earlier this year, the lobbying firm entered into an agreement with Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, acting on behalf of former Vice President Atiku, to influence U.S. policy circles’ perceptions of Atiku and counter narratives associated with the Nigerian government.
In a statement released via X on April 8, 2026, the firm noted, “According to the US States Department, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission though supported by the United States and the European Union has the capacity to credibly manage federal elections.”
However, the advisory firm emphasised persistent gaps in election oversight.
“Yet INEC has demonstrated serious weaknesses in safeguarding free, fair, and credible elections when confronted by deliberate efforts by #Nigerian political actors to manipulate and undermine the voting process,” the statement read.
Recalling past shortcomings, Von Batten-Montague-York added, “This was evident during the 2023 Nigerian elections, and current developments suggest the same pattern may be emerging again.”
The firm also outlined the U.S. legislative and executive response to these concerns, noting, “The U.S. House and Senate are currently on Easter recess,” while explaining that it “is actively echoing the State Department’s assessment to key members of Congress and intend[s] to brief congressional leadership and senior members of the U.S. National Security Council early next week.”
Drawing a distinction between past and current U.S. administrations, the advisory firm stated, “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.”
In a direct warning to Nigerian politicians and election officials, Von Batten-Montague-York said it “will recommend to the Office of the President and Congress that Global Magnitsky sanctions (#GloMag) be imposed on any Nigerian politician or official of the @inecnigeria who engages in efforts to rig Nigeria's ongoing electoral process.”
The advisory firm detailed the measures under consideration: “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.”
Last Friday, SaharaReporters reported that Von Batten-Montague York L.C. announced plans to formally engage members of the U.S. Congress and the administration of President Donald Trump regarding INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of the leadership of the ADC.
The move follows INEC’s withdrawal of recognition for the ADC leadership and suspension of all official engagement with the party pending ongoing litigation. This development has effectively stalled the activities of one of Nigeria’s key opposition parties at a critical period ahead of the next presidential election.
In its statement, the policy firm warned that the decision raises serious concerns about democratic participation and electoral credibility in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission has withdrawn recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress and suspended all official engagement with the party pending ongoing litigation,” it said.
It added, “This action has effectively frozen Nigeria's main opposition political party at a critical moment as it prepares to compete in the upcoming Nigerian presidential election,” cautioning that the situation could hinder the opposition’s ability to organize and participate fully in the democratic process.
The firm stressed that the timing of the development is particularly troubling, noting that Nigerians are anticipating credible elections.
“At a time when Nigerians expect free, fair, and credible elections, any development that disrupts political participation, creates institutional uncertainty, or undermines the perceived independence of electoral bodies must be addressed with urgency and transparency,” the statement read.
The warning signals a potential escalation in U.S. actions targeting individuals perceived to be undermining Nigeria’s electoral process.
Analysts suggest that such travel bans and financial restrictions could have significant implications for Nigerian officials involved in controversial election practices, underscoring the high stakes as the nation prepares for upcoming polls.
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