A Washington-based lobbying firm hired by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong warning to Nigerian politicians and INEC officials: it is time to deeply reflect on your actions, because any attempt to rig the 2027 elections could result in severe US sanctions, including frozen foreign assets and travel bans.
Von Batten-Montague-York, engaged by Atiku in early March 2026 for about $1.2 million, made the statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. The firm pledged to identify and push for Global Magnitsky sanctions against those who undermine Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We will recommend to the Office of the President and Congress that Global Magnitsky sanctions be imposed on any Nigerian politician or official of INEC who engages in efforts to rig Nigeria’s ongoing electoral process,” the firm said. “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.”
The lobbying firm stressed that politicians and INEC officials must carefully consider the personal and long-term consequences of electoral manipulation, noting that the vulnerabilities seen in the 2023 elections will face much stronger international scrutiny under the current Trump administration.
The firm is already engaging US lawmakers and plans to brief congressional leaders and senior National Security Council officials next week.
This latest development is a clear signal to Nigerian politicians and INEC officials to reflect seriously on their roles ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition figures turn to international pressure to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
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