A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York L.C., has disclosed plans to push for sanctions against certain Nigerian officials following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to withdraw recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress.
According to The Punch, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the firm said it intends to engage U.S. authorities, including Donald Trump and members of Congress, urging them to take punitive measures in response to the development.
The group also expressed concerns over the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the country’s electoral system, pointing to both longstanding and recent issues affecting the credibility of the process.
It said, “Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, though supported by the United States and the European Union, has the capacity to credibly manage federal elections.
“Yet, INEC has demonstrated serious weaknesses in safeguarding free, fair, and credible elections when confronted with deliberate efforts by Nigerian political actors to manipulate and undermine the voting process.”
The firm further noted that the situation mirrors concerns raised during the 2023 general elections, warning that recent developments indicate a possible recurrence of similar patterns.
It also revealed that it has already begun engaging policymakers in the United States, explaining that although the U.S. Congress is currently on Easter recess, efforts are ongoing to reinforce the position earlier expressed by the United States Department of State to key lawmakers.
According to the statement, plans are underway to brief congressional leadership as well as senior officials of the United States National Security Council in the coming week……See More
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