Karl Von Batten’s appointment shows Trump has soft spot for Atiku — Yoruba leader Malaolu

Yoruba leader Chief Akin Malaolu stated that the U.S. government's appointment of Karl Von Batten indicates President Donald Trump has a soft spot for presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. Although there is no evidence linking the appointment to Von Batten's relationship with Atiku, Malaolu emphasized that it reflects the lobbyist's access and institutional credibility. He also noted that Nigeria's political contest ahead of 2027 is increasingly being fought on a global stage.