ADC hires US lobbying firm with ‘only one client, zero revenue in 2025’ to influence Trump’s administration on INEC stalemate

INEC’s action, which halted official engagement with the party, has effectively paralysed the ADC’s political activities at a crucial time ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.

VIA SAHARA REPORTERS

A fresh controversy has trailed the decision of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to hire a little-known United States lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., to intervene in Nigeria’s electoral dispute involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

SaharaReporters has learnt from multiple sources familiar with the development that the move has sparked outrage and ridicule among political observers, who described the firm as “insignificant” and lacking any credible lobbying track record.

According to information obtained from public lobbying disclosures, the firm reportedly had no paying clients in 2025 and declared assets estimated at just $5,000, raising questions about its capacity to influence policy within the U.S. government.

“This is a complete joke,” a political analyst told SaharaReporters. “You cannot claim to be defending democracy and then turn around to hire a firm with virtually zero record, no visible influence, and questionable capacity to engage the U.S. Congress or any serious administration figures.”

The development follows an earlier announcement by the firm that it would brief members of the U.S. Congress and the administration of U.S. President, Donald Trump, over INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of the ADC leadership pending the outcome of ongoing litigation.

INEC’s action, which halted official engagement with the party, has effectively paralysed the ADC’s political activities at a crucial time ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.Nigeria politics an

In its statement, the lobbying firm had framed the issue as a threat to democratic participation in Nigeria, warning that the electoral body’s decision could undermine opposition politics and the credibility of the electoral process.

However, critics have dismissed the move as both misguided and wasteful.

“What exactly does the United States have to do with an internal electoral dispute in Nigeria?” another source queried. “This reflects a deep misunderstanding of both international politics and Nigeria’s sovereignty.”Nigeria politics analysis

Sources further alleged that the engagement could result in significant financial losses for the party, warning that the firm might “end up collecting millions of dollars without delivering any tangible results.”

“There is a real risk that ADC is being taken for a ride,” one insider said. “This is how politically exposed organisations get scammed by outsourcing serious national issues to obscure foreign entities with no proven success.”

Some analysts also questioned the strategic logic behind appealing to the Trump political circle, arguing that U.S. foreign policy priorities are rarely driven by democratic concerns in Africa.

“Anyone who thinks the Trump camp is primarily concerned about democracy in Nigeria is being naive,” a foreign policy expert said.Nigeria politics analysis

“U.S. interests are typically tied to economic and strategic considerations such as oil, mineral resources, and regional security—not internal party disputes.”

The source added, “This move suggests a lack of clarity and direction within the ADC leadership. Instead of resolving internal issues and strengthening their domestic legal position, they are chasing international attention that may never materialise.”

The controversy comes amid growing tension over INEC’s suspension of the ADC leadership, a decision that has already triggered legal battles and heightened uncertainty within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

SaharaReporters had reported on Friday that a United States-based policy firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C, said it would engage United States President Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Congress over the decision by Nigeria’s electoral body to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership.Nigeria politics analysis

The firm’s move follows a recent action by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which announced the suspension of its recognition of the ADC leadership and halted all official dealings with the party pending the outcome of an ongoing court case.

The decision has sparked concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly ahead of the next presidential election.

In a statement issued on Friday, Von Batten-Montague York L.C warned that INEC’s action could significantly weaken opposition participation and undermine electoral credibility.

“The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission has withdrawn recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress and suspended all official engagement with the party pending ongoing litigation,” the firm had said.Nigeria politics analysis

“This action has effectively frozen Nigeria’s main opposition political party at a critical moment as it prepares to compete in the upcoming Nigerian presidential election.”

The firm added that the development could hinder the opposition’s ability to organise effectively and participate fully in the democratic process.

“At a time when Nigerians expect free, fair, and credible elections, any development that disrupts political participation, creates institutional uncertainty, or undermines the perceived independence of electoral bodies must be addressed with urgency and transparency,” the statement added.

Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic importance, the firm noted that the country remains a key partner to the United States in areas such as regional security, economic stability, and counterterrorism.

“Nigeria is not only Africa’s largest democracy but also a critical strategic partner of the United States. The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is therefore of direct importance to U.S. interests and global stability,” it said.Nigeria politics analysis

The firm further disclosed that it would formally present its concerns to both the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration to ensure that issues surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process remain on the global agenda.

“Accordingly, the firm will be presenting its concerns to members of the United States Congress and the Trump Administration to ensure that the importance of free, fair, and transparent democratic processes in Nigeria remains firmly on the international agenda,” the statement added.