BY: CHARLES CHIJIOKE
A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to manipulate Nigeriaโs 2027 presidential election.
The firm made the allegation in a statement published on its verified X account on Saturday, September 5, 2026, claiming that the president was using government institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, to weaken opposition parties and intimidate political opponents.
Von Batten-Montague-York said it had already raised concerns with officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress over what it described as efforts to compromise Nigeriaโs next presidential election.
The firm further alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was being used to target political opponents, citing a reported demand by an individual linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the anti-graft agency to arrest former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within 14 days.
โWe have made it clear to members of the US President Trump Administration and the Congress that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is actively working to rig the upcoming Nigerian presidential election,โ the firm said.
It added that the United States was monitoring developments surrounding Nigeriaโs electoral process and would continue briefing the US administration and Congress on issues it believes could threaten the credibility of the 2027 election.
The lobbying firm said it was in the interest of the United States to see Nigeria conduct a free, fair and credible election, warning that individuals or organisations attempting to undermine the electoral process should be held accountable.
The allegations have not been independently established, and no evidence proving that President Tinubu or the Nigerian government is deliberately planning to rig the 2027 election was presented in the statement.
The development comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition parties and political figures increasingly raising concerns about the neutrality of state institutions and the conduct of the electoral process.
