Fresh controversy has emerged over the decision by the African Democratic Congress to engage a United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., to intervene in its ongoing dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The development follows INEC’s suspension of official recognition of the party’s leadership pending the outcome of a court case, a move that has effectively stalled the party’s political activities ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.

Sources revealed that the hiring of the relatively obscure lobbying firm has drawn criticism from political observers, who questioned its credibility and ability to influence policy within the United States.

Public lobbying records reportedly indicate that the firm had no paying clients in 2025 and held assets estimated at about $5,000, raising doubts about its operational capacity.

The firm had earlier announced plans to brief members of the US Congress and the administration of President Donald Trump on INEC’s decision, which it described as a threat to democratic participation and opposition politics in Nigeria.

However, critics have dismissed the move as misguided, arguing that Nigeria’s electoral dispute is a domestic matter that may not attract meaningful intervention from the US government.

Some analysts also warned that the engagement could lead to financial losses for the party, suggesting that the firm may lack the influence required to deliver tangible results.

They further questioned the strategy of appealing to the Trump political circle, noting that US foreign policy is typically driven by economic and security interests rather than internal political disputes in other countries.

The controversy comes amid rising tension over INEC’s decision to halt engagement with the ADC leadership, a development that has triggered legal battles and heightened uncertainty within Nigeria’s opposition space.

In its statement, the lobbying firm maintained that INEC’s action could weaken opposition participation and undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, adding that it would push to keep the issue on the international agenda.

It also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance to the United States in areas such as regional security, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism, stressing the need for credible and transparent elections.