US Firm Says America Won’t Allow Tinubu to Rig 2027 Election

A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has claimed that the US would not allow President Bola Tinubu to manipulate the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The firm made the claim on Thursday through its verified X account, arguing that a free and fair election in Nigeria is important to US interests in the country and the wider region.

Von Batten-Montague-York also alleged that there was growing concern across political lines about corruption within the Nigerian government under Tinubu. The firm further criticised the appointment of an official to oversee Nigeria’s budget, linking the individual to allegations previously made by the US Department of Justice concerning the handling of Nigerian public funds.

The firm said it believed Washington could not afford to ignore developments surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process. It also compared what it described as the level of lawlessness in Nigeria with political developments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

According to the organisation, ensuring that Nigerians are able to participate in a free and fair election would serve both Nigeria’s democratic interests and wider American interests in West Africa.

The latest statement follows earlier allegations by the same firm concerning the 2027 election. In September, Von Batten-Montague-York accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to use government institutions, including INEC, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, against opposition politicians. The firm also made claims involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Those earlier allegations were not supported with evidence in the firm’s public statement.

The firm’s latest comments should be distinguished from an official position of the United States government. Publicly available US filings show that Von Batten-Montague-York has an agreement with Atiku Abubakar to provide government-affairs representation and strategic advisory services in the United States.

The firm’s assertions therefore represent its own position and allegations, rather than an established decision by Washington concerning Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

With political activities already increasing ahead of the 2027 polls, issues surrounding the independence of electoral institutions, the conduct of political parties and the credibility of the election are expected to remain major areas of public discussion.

The Presidency and other institutions mentioned in the firm’s latest statement had not, in the report, provided a response to the new allegations.