Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has condemned the engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to circulate documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to officials in the United States.
Sani described the move as unnecessary and capable of undermining Nigeria’s image abroad, urging political actors to resolve their differences within the country’s democratic and legal institutions rather than seeking to influence foreign governments.
His reaction followed reports that the Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., retained by Atiku Abubakar under a reported 12-month contract, had begun distributing documents relating to a long-running U.S. civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu to officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, members of Congress and congressional staff.
According to reports, the firm said it was sharing records from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds allegedly linked to Tinubu. The lobbying contract, reportedly valued at $1.2 million, covers advocacy, diplomatic outreach and the presentation of Atiku’s positions to U.S. policymakers.
Reacting to the development, Sani maintained that disagreements arising from Nigeria’s political process should not be exported to foreign capitals.
He argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation should take precedence over partisan interests, warning that attempts to lobby foreign governments against the country’s leadership could have unintended consequences for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and national interest.
The former lawmaker called on politicians across party lines to conduct their political engagements responsibly, stressing that elections and governance issues should be addressed through constitutional means and established democratic institutions.
Sani further urged all stakeholders to place national unity and the country’s global image above political rivalry, noting that healthy opposition remains an essential part of democracy but should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.
