A United States-based lobbying firm, Von-Batten-Montague-York, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu's efforts to secure an endorsement from US President Donald Trump ahead of Nigeria's 2027 presidential election have failed. The firm made the claim in a post on its X account. According to the firm, Tinubu's main objective was to meet Trump and obtain his support for the 2027 election. The reported meeting between Tinubu and Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly would no longer take place.
Tinubu had planned to participate in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York but will now be represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Vice-President will deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level meetings on issues including the Right to Development and climate action. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly. The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The lobbying firm also alleged that about $9 million in Nigerian taxpayers' money had been spent on the reported lobbying effort. It described the reported cancellation of the meeting as unfortunate and said it hoped Tinubu would reconsider his decision not to attend the UN General Assembly. The firm said, “Having those meetings canceled and being told, in so many words, that you are a liability to the United States is unfortunate, especially after spending $9 million in Nigerian taxpayer money on the effort.”
The decision represents another change from earlier expectations that Tinubu would attend the gathering personally. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that the President would attend this year’s UNGA. Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 but did not personally attend the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025, when Shettima represented him. The latest decision means Shettima will again represent the President at the annual gathering.
The development has also led to questions from Atiku Abubakar's political camp. Paul Ibe, media aide to the former vice-president, questioned why Tinubu changed his plans after earlier indications that he would travel to New York. Ibe asked, “What are you running away from?” and questioned whether any planned bilateral engagement between Tinubu and Trump had been cancelled or declined. He argued that Tinubu’s personal attendance would have provided an opportunity for Nigeria to engage directly with world leaders on investment, security cooperation, trade and international partnerships.
Ibe also said questions about the President’s change of itinerary should not be interpreted as hostility, describing them instead as matters of accountability. “When the country’s international representation changes suddenly on the eve of the world’s most important diplomatic gathering, asking ‘Why?’ is not hostility. It is accountability,” he said. The Vice-President will lead a delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The US firm's claim that Tinubu's lobbying efforts for Trump's endorsement have failed has raised concerns about the implications for Nigeria's international relations and the 2027 presidential election. The situation remains uncertain, with many stakeholders watching closely to see how the developments unfold. Key developments include Tinubu's absence from the UNGA, the failed lobbying efforts, and the $9 million spent on the lobbying effort.
Key points
- President Tinubu's lobbying efforts for Trump's endorsement have failed.
- Vice President Shettima will represent Tinubu at the UNGA.
- $9 million was spent on the lobbying effort.
