A United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has alleged that a highly placed individual linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered it $3 million to discontinue its campaign over allegations concerning the Nigerian president’s past.
Newsonspot gathered that the firm made the claim in a statement published on its verified X account on Wednesday, saying the alleged offer came with an invitation to a confidential meeting in London.
According to the firm, its leader, Dr Von Batten, rejected the proposal and retained copies of the communications surrounding the alleged offer.
The lobbying firm said it subsequently contacted members of the campaign of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in an effort to establish the nature of the alleged individual’s relationship with President Tinubu.
Firm Alleges $3m Proposal
Von Batten-Montague-York claimed the offer came from a “highly placed individual” it had been informed was connected to President Tinubu.
The firm alleged that the purpose of the proposed payment was to convince Dr Von Batten to end its campaign concerning what it described as allegations about President Tinubu’s past.
The firm said it rejected the alleged proposal, adding that it had preserved the communications relating to the matter.
It also addressed President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their associates, saying it would not accept the alleged offer.
Firm Claims Smear Campaign Followed Rejection
The lobbying organisation further alleged that a smear campaign against Dr Von Batten began after the alleged $3 million proposal was rejected.
It said it had taken steps to investigate the identity and background of the person allegedly behind the proposal, including contacting individuals associated with Atiku Abubakar’s ADC campaign.
The firm said its inquiries were aimed at determining whether the individual had any direct relationship with President Tinubu.
US Authorities To Receive Communications
Von Batten-Montague-York said it intends to submit the alleged $3 million offer and related communications to authorities in the United States.
According to the firm, the materials will be sent to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for examination.
The organisation said the move would help protect Dr Von Batten’s reputation and enable the appropriate authorities to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged proposal.
However, the firm did not publicly identify the individual it claimed made the offer or provide independently verifiable evidence showing that the person was acting on behalf of President Tinubu.
There was also no response from President Tinubu, the APC or any identified representative of the Nigerian presidency contained in the statement.
The allegation that the firm was offered $3 million to halt its campaign, as well as the claim that a smear campaign followed the rejection, remains unverified.
The development comes amid continuing political controversies surrounding allegations previously raised concerning President Tinubu’s past and political eligibility.
