News
El-Rufai supporters hire U.S. lobbyists over former governor’s case
The El-RufaiEl-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.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Gunmen storm Kebbi community, kill village head
Former Kogi Gov Ibrahim Idris dies in UK
NDLEA seizes N3.4bn drugs, nab fake cop, mechanic
Falconets crash out of 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup after 1-0 loss to Colombia
BREAKING: Tinubu confirms absence from 81st UN General Assembly in New York, directs Shettima to lead Nigerian delegation
2027: ‘Obi will defeat Tinubu by a wider margin in Lagos’ — NDC
NDC disowns OK Movement campaign council, refers John Ugulu for discipline
Raphinha set to sign new Barcelona contract until 2030
Four Nigerians receive UNGA Humanitarian, Goodwill Ambassador honours in New York
‘We Won’t Go Back to Egypt’ — Showunmi rejects Atiku’s petrol subsidy proposal
NSCDC names new Niger commandant following death of miners in custody
ECOWAS court set to hold 2026 international conference in Dakar
Nigerians already seeing reductions in transport fares – Tinubu
PL: Brighton thrash Arsenal 3-0, end Gunners’ winning run
Sowore as best president Nigeria refuses to have: by Farooq A. Kperogi
BREAKING: Court of Appeal overturns Lokoja ruling, upholds NDC’s registration
Nigerians already seeing reductions in transport fares – Tinubu
BREAKING: Tinubu confirms absence from 81st UN General Assembly in New York, directs Shettima to lead Nigerian delegation
Tinubu may shun UN General Assembly in New York – Fresh details emerge
Soludo pardons native doctor Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, appoints him Youth Reformation Ambassador
‘Atiku unfit to rule Nigeria’ — APC Campaign Council Cites $500,000 Mambilla Arbitration
‘Before lecturing Tinubu, you must answer questions from your past’ — Presidency to Atiku
‘We Won’t Go Back to Egypt’ — Showunmi rejects Atiku’s petrol subsidy proposal
Deji Adeyanju, Buhari others appointed as FG constitutes committee to probe NSCDC custody deaths (Full List)
‘The Site Belongs To Babangida’ – Survivor links deaths of miners in NSCDC custody to ex-Military Ruler
PL: Brighton thrash Arsenal 3-0, end Gunners’ winning run
Anambra Debt Row: Expect more Peter Obi’s records in coming days – Presidency
Four Nigerians receive UNGA Humanitarian, Goodwill Ambassador honours in New York
Why EFCC must prosecute Atiku – Agbonayinma
