El-Rufai Supporters Hire U.S. Lobby Firm Amid Prosecution

The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced on Wednesday that they have retained Vanguard Africa, a U.S.-based lobbying and advocacy firm headquartered in Washington D.C., to engage with stakeholders in the United States regarding the prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). El-Rufai is currently facing trial for alleged abuse of office and financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.

The ERSGA maintains that the allegations lack merit and insists on El-Rufai's innocence. The group expressed concerns about procedural irregularities in the treatment of El-Rufai, describing it as symptomatic of a deeper crisis threatening Nigeria's democratic institutions.

Moham Salihu, a representative of the group, emphasized that the case has broader implications for the political environment in Nigeria, especially with the upcoming 2027 general elections. The ERSGA calls for international attention to ensure fair judicial processes and protect democratic freedoms in Nigeria.