Yoruba Ronu hails Trump’s appointment of Atiku’s lobbyist 

The forum lauds Trump’s appointment of Dr. Karl Von Batten to the White House Commission

The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s appointment of Dr. Karl Von Batten to a White House presidential commission, claiming it boosts the international profile of Nigerian opposition leader Atiku Abubakar, according to reporting by The Guardian.

The Forum, which issued a statement on Thursday, said the appointment could further raise the profile of Atiku and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) among policymakers and political stakeholders in Washington.

The statement signed by the forum President Chief Akin Malaolu on Thursday, states in part, per the Daily Post:

“While there is no evidence that Trump’s appointment was made because of Von Batten’s relationship with Atiku, the coincidence is politically significant and demonstrates the level of access and institutional credibility surrounding the Washington-based lobbyist.

“For the opposition, the development is a reminder that Nigeria’s political contest ahead of 2027 is no longer confined to the domestic arena.

“The battle over Nigeria’s democratic credentials, economic direction, governance and international reputation is increasingly being fought in global policy centres, particularly Washington.”

“The emerging picture is unmistakable. Atiku has invested in professional advocacy in Washington, and the man leading that effort has now been entrusted with a role on a US presidential commission,” the group said.

Von Batten, managing partner of Washington lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, was retained by Atiku’s African Democratic Congress campaign under a $1.2 million retainer to handle government affairs and strategic advisory in the United States.