WASHINGTON (XOL Africa) — The Trump administration has appointed Karl Von Batten, a senior executive at a US lobbying firm representing Nigerian opposition leader Atiku Abubakar, to a White House commission, raising questions about the implications for US relations with Nigeria ahead of the country’s presidential election.
Von Batten works for Washington-based lobbying group Von Batten-Montague-York, which has been campaigning on issues that could prove politically damaging to President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in January.
The firm confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, saying Von Batten was “deeply grateful” to Donald Trump for the “confidence placed in him”. It did not specify which White House commission he would join or outline his responsibilities.
The appointment comes as the US seeks to deepen relations with Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of Washington’s most important partners on security, trade and regional stability.
Lobbying agreement with Atiku
Earlier this year, Von Batten-Montague-York signed a 12-month, $1.2mn lobbying agreement with Atiku, a former vice-president and leading opposition figure challenging Tinubu for the presidency.
According to US disclosure filings, the lobbying mandate was intended to “advance understanding within US policymaking institutions” of Atiku’s leadership and policy agenda.
The firm has also sought to draw attention in Washington to records concerning Tinubu held by US authorities, potentially increasing scrutiny of the Nigerian president as he prepares for a closely watched election.
The overlap between Von Batten’s lobbying work for an opposition presidential candidate and his new position within the Trump administration is likely to attract scrutiny in Abuja and Washington.
For Tinubu’s government, the appointment risks being interpreted as a signal that influential figures within the Trump administration are receptive to the Nigerian opposition’s arguments. For Washington, it could complicate efforts to maintain a working relationship with Nigeria’s government while engaging with political actors ahead of the election.
Neither the White House nor Tinubu’s government immediately commented on the appointment.
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