FG overwhelms Biafra lobbyists in high-stakes Washington push to counter ‘Christian genocide’ claims

Nigeria’s struggle to shape Washington’s perception of its internal security crisis has escalated into an intense lobbying battle, with the federal government far outspending Biafran secessionist groups as both sides court President Donald Trump over allegations of a “Christian genocide.”

According to a report by UK-based Africa Confidential, President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its allies moved rapidly after Trump warned in November 2025 that he could intervene in Nigeria “guns ablazing.” Alarmed by the threat, Abuja signed a $750,000-a-month, six-month renewable lobbying contract with the Republican-linked DCI Group to push Nigeria’s case in Washington.

The contract, reportedly channelled through Aster Legal, focuses on visa policy, military cooperation, trade and tariffs, while highlighting government efforts to protect Christians and Muslims and confront jihadist violence.

The scale of the engagement dwarfs that of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), which is paying $66,000 a month to the smaller Madison & Washington lobbying firm. That contract seeks US sanctions against Nigerian officials, deeper US engagement with a proposed Biafran administration and even support for future military action and favourable oil deals in a hypothetical independent Biafra — a vision the oil-rich Niger Delta has repeatedly rejected.

Both camps are targeting conservative and evangelical networks close to Trump, a political space long cultivated by pro-Biafra and Christian advocacy groups. The lobbying contest has unfolded alongside intensified US–Nigeria security cooperation, including joint intelligence coordination and US air strikes on suspected jihadist targets in northern Nigeria over Christmas.

Africa Confidential reported that DCI Group is being paid $750,000 monthly to explain Abuja’s security strategy and efforts to protect citizens of all faiths, and to reinforce US support for Nigeria’s fight against jihadist groups in West Africa. The contract runs initially for a year.

By contrast, the Madison & Washington deal, announced on January 10, is described as ambitious for its modest fee. It promotes a narrative that violence against Christians in Nigeria stems from state complicity under Tinubu and argues that a pro-US Biafran administration would better serve American strategic and commercial interests.

The report notes that pro-Biafra groups have for years tapped into the US religious right, securing backing from influential Republicans such as Senator Ted Cruz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo — support that may have pushed Abuja to engage a top-tier firm with close ties to Trump’s circle.

Africa Confidential detailed a compressed timeline of events: Trump’s November 1 threat to intervene militarily in Nigeria; rapid follow-up meetings between National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s team and US defence officials; the formation of a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on intelligence and arms procurement; and US air strikes on suspected jihadists in Sokoto and Zamfara states on Christmas Day, reportedly at Trump’s insistence.

The report also said the US Congress is expected in the first quarter of 2026 to decide on approval of $346 million worth of precision munitions for Nigeria. Abuja has already received more than $100 million in military equipment in recent weeks, while at least 12 Bell Textron AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters, valued at about $997 million, are due for delivery by 2028.

DCI Group’s managing member, Justin Peterson, and senior adviser Doug Davenport — a veteran Republican operative and Trump appointee — are leading the Nigeria account. Another key figure, Diane London, is said to be paying the firm’s fees on behalf of Aster Legal, though the ultimate source of the funds remains undisclosed.

Meanwhile, the Biafran lobbying effort appears internally fractured. Africa Confidential reported that Madison & Washington’s contract was signed by Isaiah Harrison Anyaogu, also known as Ogechukwu Nkere, who claims to be acting prime minister of the Biafran government in exile. However, the BRGIE’s governing council has disputed his authority, alleging he was expelled and is misleading the public.

Despite the controversy, sources in Abuja confirmed that the federal government has engaged DCI Group to support Nigeria’s strategic engagement with the United States across diplomatic, security, trade and values-based policy priorities.

According to officials familiar with the arrangement, the engagement is intended to ensure clear and consistent communication of Nigeria’s security efforts, democratic governance and economic reforms, while deepening engagement with US policymakers, Congress, faith leaders, businesses and the media.

A DCI Group representative said the firm was pleased to support Nigeria in communicating its efforts to protect Christians and people of all faiths from violent extremism and to strengthen trade and commercial ties with the United States.

The move has, however, drawn criticism from Christian advocacy groups. Mike Arnold, a leading campaigner for Nigerian Christians, accused the Tinubu administration of prioritising “Washington narrative warfare” over addressing insecurity on the ground, insisting that real protection must go beyond lobbying and public relations.