El-Rufai’s Detention: Group Hires U.S Firm To Raise Concerns Over Rule Of Law In Nigeria

The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) has announced the engagement of Washington-based advocacy organisation Vanguard Africa to lead a campaign aimed at drawing international attention to what it describes as growing concerns over due process and the rule of law in Nigeria.

In a statement issued Wednesday, ERSGA’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Mohammed Salisu, said Vanguard Africa would conduct outreach to officials in the United States administration, members of Congress, federal agencies, democracy-focused institutions, and multilateral organisations regarding the case of the former Kaduna State governor.

According to the group, the engagement follows concerns over El-Rufai’s detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) and what it described as delays in court proceedings related to his bail application.

ERSGA rejected allegations reportedly brought against the former governor and maintained that he is innocent of any wrongdoing. The group argued that the case raises broader questions about judicial independence and the treatment of political figures within Nigeria’s democratic system.

“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 on behalf of the association.

The organisation said it intends to encourage closer scrutiny of developments in Nigeria by international partners and democracy advocates. It also linked its concerns to preparations for the country’s 2027 general elections, arguing that the impartial application of the law is critical to maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.

ERSGA described Vanguard Africa as a Washington-based organisation with experience advocating on behalf of political and pro-democracy figures across Africa, including the Gambian president, Niger’s ousted president, and the Ugandan opposition leader.

The group called on the United States government, international institutions, and civil society organisations to monitor developments in Nigeria and support due process, judicial independence, and democratic governance.