ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A pro-Nasir El-Rufai group has retained a Washington, D.C.-based international advocacy firm, Vanguard Africa, to spearhead a campaign highlighting what it describes as the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the prosecution of the former Kaduna State governor.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) disclosed that Vanguard Africa would coordinate engagements with officials of the United States administration, members of Congress, relevant government agencies, pro-democracy organisations, and multilateral stakeholders on its behalf.
The association said a regulatory filing published by the United States Department of State showed that Vanguard Africa had been contracted to design and execute outreach efforts targeting U.S. administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders.
According to ERSGA, the campaign centres on the case involving El-Rufai, whom it described as an accomplished reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service experience.
The statement read in part, “Vanguard Africa will plan and execute outreach to U.S. Administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders on behalf of ERSGA, among other activities in the United States.
“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.
“ERSGA categorically rejects the ICPC accusations and maintains El-Rufai’s innocence, pointing to a series of alarming procedural irregularities”, he said.
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The association argued that the former governor’s case reflects wider concerns about the state of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mohammed Salihu said the developments surrounding El-Rufai’s prosecution raise questions about the country’s democratic process and institutional independence.
“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.
“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.”
ERSGA further stated that it views the case as a major test of the neutrality and credibility of Nigeria’s institutions, especially as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
The group warned that deploying legal processes to weaken or sideline opposition figures could undermine democratic competition and jeopardise the credibility of future elections.
It also called on the United States Government, international democratic institutions, and civil society organisations to closely monitor political and judicial developments in Nigeria.
According to the association, these stakeholders should speak out in defence of due process, judicial independence, and the democratic environment required for free, fair, and credible elections.
El-Rufai is currently facing prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct, and fraud allegedly committed during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
The former governor has denied wrongdoing, while his supporters insist the charges are politically motivated.