Representatives of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and aides linked to United States Congressman Riley Moore have held discussions on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, security challenges and the need to safeguard the integrity of future elections in the country.
The meeting was disclosed in a statement issued by Von Batten-Montague-York, which said the talks focused on protecting Nigerians’ right to participate in “free and fair” elections capable of producing leaders willing to address the country’s worsening security concerns.
According to the statement, representatives acting on behalf of Congressman Riley Moore and Atiku met earlier in the day and described the engagement as productive, with discussions centering on election credibility, peace and long-term national stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are pleased to announce that earlier today, representatives representing Congressman Riley Moore and former Nigerian Vice President Atiku met to discuss the importance of protecting every Nigerian’s right to a free and fair election in order to enable Nigerians to elect leaders willing and able to resolve the security issues facing all Nigerians,” the statement read.
The group further stated that concerns were raised during the meeting about insecurity in Nigeria, including kidnappings and violent attacks affecting ordinary citizens and schoolchildren across parts of the country.
“The meeting was very productive and focused on the urgent need for election integrity, peace, and long-term stability in Nigeria,” the statement added.
Von Batten-Montague-York also said it would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring stability and prosperity in Nigeria, while offering prayers for several political figures in both Nigeria and the United States, including former US President Donald Trump, US Vice President J.D. Vance, Congressman Moore and Atiku Abubakar.
“We at Von Batten-Montague-York will continue to pray for President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Congressman Moore, Vice President Atiku, and all those working to ensure that peace and prosperity return to Nigeria and that Nigerians can live and send their children to school without fear of being kidnapped or, worse, murdered,” the statement said.
In a strongly worded warning, the organisation also accused unnamed individuals within President Bola Tinubu’s administration of allegedly undermining democratic processes and participating in anti-democratic activities ahead of future elections.
“To those within the Nigerian government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu who are complicit in crimes against Nigerians and are actively working to rig the election, understand that your actions are being observed and recorded,” the statement alleged.
The organisation further referenced the possibility of sanctions under the United States Global Magnitsky framework, which targets individuals accused of corruption, human rights abuses and anti-democratic conduct.
“Global Magnitsky sanctions were specifically designed to identify, isolate, and freeze assets connected to those engaged in corruption, human rights abuses, and anti-democratic conduct. The choice is yours,” the statement added.
