Policy advisory firm says founder Karl Von Batten was invited to confidential London meeting over campaign concerning allegations against President Tinubu
A United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm linked to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that its founder, Dr Karl Von Batten, was offered $3 million and invited to a confidential meeting in London in an attempt to persuade him to end the firm’s campaign concerning allegations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The firm made the allegation amid an ongoing political and legal debate surrounding activities by foreign-based lobbyists and policy advisers involved in issues relating to Nigeria and its political leadership.
According to the firm, the alleged offer was made to Von Batten alongside an invitation to attend a confidential meeting in London, where he was reportedly expected to discuss bringing the campaign to an end.
The nature and identity of the individual or individuals who allegedly made the offer were not immediately established in the information available.
The allegation comes against the backdrop of heightened political scrutiny surrounding President Tinubu and opposition figures ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political actors increasingly turning to international platforms and advocacy organisations to advance their positions.
The firm’s connection to Atiku Abubakar has also placed the allegation within the wider political contest, given the former vice president’s continued opposition to the Tinubu administration and his interest in the 2027 presidential race.
The alleged $3 million inducement, if established, would raise significant questions about attempts to influence political advocacy and public policy campaigns involving Nigeria’s political leadership.
However, the allegation remains a claim by the firm and has not, by itself, established that any payment was actually made or that the alleged meeting took place.
The development is expected to attract further attention as political campaigns and lobbying activities surrounding Nigeria’s next presidential election intensify.
Foreign-based lobbying firms and policy advisers have increasingly become part of Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in efforts involving international governments, lawmakers, media organisations and policy institutions.
The latest allegation therefore adds another dimension to the ongoing political exchanges surrounding Tinubu, Atiku and other major political actors, with stakeholders likely to demand greater clarity over the identities of those allegedly involved and the circumstances surrounding the reported offer.
The firm has maintained that the alleged approach was an attempt to influence its activities and halt its campaign, while further details about the reported $3 million offer and the proposed London meeting remain subject to verification.
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