Pro-El-Rufai group hires US lobbying firm over ex-gov’s case

n n

The El-Rufai Support Group Association has announced the engagement of Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based international advocacy firm, to lead a campaign about what it described as the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria.

n

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ERSGA said Vanguard Africa would coordinate outreach to officials of the United States administration, members of Congress, relevant agencies, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral stakeholders on its behalf.

n

According to the association, a regulatory filing published by the US Department of State indicated that Vanguard Africa would plan and execute outreach to U.S. Administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders for ERSGA.

n

ERSGA said the campaign was focused on the case of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, whom it described as a reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service.

n

“Vanguard Africa will plan and execute outreach to U.S. Administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, prodemocracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders on behalf of ERSGA, among other activities in the United States.

n

“Nasir El-Rufai is an accomplished reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service. According to media reports, since mid-February he has been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, while courts have repeatedly delayed bail hearings.

n

“ERSGA categorically rejects the ICPC accusations and maintains El-Rufai’s innocence, pointing to a series of alarming procedural irregularities.

n

“The treatment of Governor El-Rufai is not an isolated incident — it is a symptom of a deeper crisis threatening Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement partly read.

n

Speaking on behalf of the association, Mohammed Salihu said the former governor’s case reflected broader concerns about democratic institutions in the country.

n

Salihu said, “The treatment of Governor El-Rufai is not an isolated incident — it is a symptom of a deeper crisis threatening Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” Salihu said.

n

“We are bringing these concerns to Washington because the international community has both the standing and the responsibility to speak plainly when due process is weaponized for political ends.”

n

The association said it viewed the case as a test of the impartiality of Nigeria’s institutions, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

n

ERSGA warned that the use of legal mechanisms to sideline opposition figures could undermine free and credible democratic competition.

n

The group also called on the United States Government, international democratic institutions and civil society organisations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria.

n

It urged them to speak clearly in defense of due process, judicial independence, and the democratic space that free and fair elections require.

n

El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure as governor.

n n