A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has warned against any attempt to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, saying credible polls are important to American interests in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The firm made the statement in a post on its verified X account on Thursday while commenting on the political situation in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
Von Batten-Montague-York said the United States could not afford to allow President Bola Tinubu to rig the forthcoming election.
It also alleged that there was growing concern across political divides over corruption within the Nigerian government under Tinubu.
The firm further alleged that Tinubu had appointed an individual whom it claimed the US Department of Justice had linked to the embezzlement of billions of dollars from Nigeria’s treasury during a previous administration to serve as the country’s minister responsible for the national budget.
However, the firm did not provide supporting documentation for the allegation in its latest statement.
It also warned that what it described as lawlessness in Nigeria could put the country on a trajectory similar to developments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
According to the firm, free and fair elections in Nigeria are essential to protecting US interests in the country and the broader West African region.
The latest statement is part of a series of comments by Von Batten-Montague-York concerning Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process. Earlier, the firm had made allegations concerning the use of state institutions against opposition parties and candidates, without providing evidence in its public statements.
The claims by the firm have not been presented as an official position of the United States government. Von Batten-Montague-York is a private political advisory and lobbying organisation.
The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties, candidates and civil society groups increasingly focusing on electoral credibility, security and the independence of institutions involved in the conduct of the polls.
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