19 November 2019 : Nigeria’s upcoming 2019 election are will be helping the top two US PR firms rake millions of dollars.
The main opposition party :Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hired top US lobbyist, Brian Ballard, for a whopping $90,000 (N31.5 million) per month, as their communications consultant. While the ruling party :All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to decide between their former consultant US- based AKPD Message and Media, which they used during the 2015 pre-election period to manage their Public relations and public affairs, or a fresh agency from South Africa.
Quick look into these PR firms:
- Ballard Partners
This firm was founded by Brian Ballard, a a top US lobbyist. He has worked very closely with the US President, while chairing the Trump Victory organisation. He also worked on behalf of the Trump Organisation for more than a decade. He is considered as the most powerful lobbyist in Trump's Washington.
Balland's is most likely to earn a massive $1 million per year owing to his liaison with Atiku Abubakar Campaign organisation.
2. AKPD Message and Media
David Axelrod (ex-President Barack Obama’s campaign strategist) and a former White House Advisor cofounded this company. The firm is considered as one of the most successful PR firms that represent Democratic candidates and progressive causes in the State
Formerly, Axelrod and Associates, it is named after its four original partners: David Axelrod, John Kupper, David Plouffe, and John Del Cecato. All four were members of Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
Reporting for EasyKobo on Monday , 19 November 2018 in Lagos, Nigeria