A Washington based advisory and lobbying firm Von Batten Montague York LC has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that failing to hold credible elections could damage Nigeria’s reputation and democracy on the global stage.
The firm also said it will take concerns about Nigeria’s elections directly to former US President Donald Trump and members of the United States Congress, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The warning follows a controversial decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to suspend recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress while legal disputes continue.
The advisory group described the move as dangerous, stressing that sidelining a major opposition party at a critical political moment could undermine the democratic process. It warned that limiting opposition participation may reduce public trust, lower confidence in election results, and create uncertainty within key institutions.
According to the group, Nigerians are already demanding transparency and fairness in the electoral process, making the timing of the decision especially worrying. The firm emphasized that the upcoming elections must be transparent, credible, and clearly reflect the will of the people.
The advisory group also cautioned that failure to meet these standards could have consequences beyond Nigeria. It highlighted Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest democracy and a key partner in regional security, economic development, and counterterrorism efforts.
It added that any perception of election manipulation or exclusion could encourage undemocratic trends across West Africa, a region already facing instability, coups, and insurgency threats. The group warned that such developments could weaken democratic institutions across the region.
The firm pointed out economic risks as well, saying international investors closely watch political stability and governance. A flawed electoral process could discourage foreign investment and strain Nigeria’s international relationships.
The advisory group revealed plans to escalate its concerns to the United States Congress and Donald Trump’s administration to keep Nigeria’s electoral integrity under close international scrutiny.
Observers say the unusually strong warning reflects growing global concern about the direction of Nigeria’s democracy. Analysts believe that how the government responds will play a key role in shaping both its international image and internal political stability as the situation continues to develop.
