El-Rufai support group hires US lobby firm over his ICPC trial

The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) has engaged a United States-based advocacy firm to lead an international campaign over the ongoing trial of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state. A statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Salihu, director of strategic partnership of the group, said the association had retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based […]

The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) has engaged a United States-based advocacy firm to lead an international campaign over the ongoing trial of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Salihu, director of strategic partnership of the group, said the association had retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based organisation, to engage policymakers, democracy advocates and international stakeholders on developments surrounding el-Rufai’s prosecution.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February over allegations of financial impropriety linked to his time as governor of Kaduna State.

According to ERSGA, Vanguard Africa will coordinate outreach to officials of the US government, members of Congress, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral organisations as part of efforts to draw attention to the case.

The group described the former governor as a prominent public servant whose career spanned key national positions, including director-general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and governor of Kaduna state.

Salihu said concerns had continued to grow over what the association described as prolonged detention and delays in the judicial process.
“The treatment of Governor El-Rufai is not an isolated incident — it is a symptom of a deeper crisis threatening Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” he 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 weaponised for political ends.”

The group noted that el-Rufai is innocent of the allegations against him and argued that the case raises broader questions about the independence of public institutions.

ERSGA said the matter has become a significant test of Nigeria’s commitment to due process and the rule of law, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.

The association also urged foreign governments, democratic institutions and civil society organisations to closely monitor developments and support efforts aimed at protecting judicial independence and democratic freedoms in Nigeria.

El-Rufai was indicted by the Kaduna state house of assembly in 2024 over the alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering. The assembly recommended that anti-graft agencies investigate the allegations.
The former governor was subsequently arraigned by the ICPC before the Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.

The latest move by his supporters comes amid claims by members of his family that his rights have been violated while in custody.

The ICPC has rejected the allegations, insisting that it has acted within the law. (The Cable)