El-Rufai supporters hire U.S. lobbyists over former governor’s case

The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) says it has engaged a Washington-based advocacy firm, Vanguard Africa, to mount an international campaign over what it describes as alleged erosion of the rule of law and due process in Nigeria

The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) says it has engaged a Washington-based advocacy firm, Vanguard Africa, to mount an international campaign over what it describes as alleged erosion of the rule of law and due process in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the group said the engagement will involve coordinated outreach to officials of the United States government, members of Congress, regulatory agencies, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral organisations.

The association said filings with the US Department of State indicated that Vanguard Africa would be responsible for planning and executing advocacy efforts on its behalf across key American political and diplomatic institutions.

ERSGA linked the campaign to the ongoing legal and political situation involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a reform-minded statesman facing what it called “procedural irregularities” in his treatment by Nigerian authorities.

The group alleged that El-Rufai has been subjected to legal actions by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), including claims of prolonged court processes and contested bail hearings, which it insists raise concerns about fairness and judicial 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,” the group said.

ERSGA spokesperson, Mohammed Salihu, said the decision to take the matter to international platforms was driven by concerns over what they described as misuse of legal processes for political ends.

He argued that Nigeria’s democratic environment must remain open to scrutiny, especially as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.

However, the ICPC has continued to pursue allegations against the former governor bordering on abuse of office, financial misconduct and fraud during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.

The development highlights growing political tensions and the increasing trend of Nigerian political actors seeking international advocacy support in high-profile legal and political disputes.