The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed suggestions that the ongoing detention and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, are politically motivated, insisting every step it has taken is backed by the law.
The Agency’s position came after the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced that it had retained Vanguard Africa, an international advocacy firm based in Washington, D.C., to spearhead a campaign alleging the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria.
Reacting in an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey said the Commission was unconcerned by the group’s decision to seek international backing.
“We are not moved. We operate within the confines of the law. The ICPC is not moved at all.
“We operate within the confines of the law and will continue to carry out our functions within the confines of the law. We are not detaining him on our own. We are following lawful orders.
“He is in our custody by court remand. So, we don’t have any issues with that.
“It’s a free world, it’s a free society, but people must operate within the confines of the law,” Odey stated.
He also rejected allegations that the anti-graft agency was acting on political instructions.
“No, we are not political. The ICPC is not political. It has never been and never will be. The ICPC is an anti-corruption law enforcement agency. We have an Act that guides our operations.
“If there are infractions that fall within our Act and we charge you to court, it doesn’t matter whether you are a clerk in a government agency, a private contractor who has contravened the laws, or a political figure. It is immaterial.
“We do not politicise our issues, nor do we prosecute on the basis of political affiliations. The ICPC is not a political party and does not have any political affiliations,” he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, ERSGA announced that it had engaged Vanguard Africa to coordinate an international advocacy campaign over what it described as worsening violations of due process and the rule of law in Nigeria.
In a statement, the Association said the Washington-based firm would oversee engagements with officials of the United States administration, members of Congress, relevant government agencies, pro-democracy organisations and multilateral institutions.
According to ERSGA, a regulatory filing published by the U.S. Department of State showed that Vanguard Africa would handle outreach to U.S. administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions and multilateral stakeholders on the Association’s behalf.
The group said the campaign would focus on the case involving El-Rufai, whom it described as a reformer and respected statesman with decades of public service.
“Vanguard Africa will plan and execute outreach to U.S. Administration officials, Congress, relevant bureaus and agencies, pro-democracy institutions, and multilateral stakeholders on behalf of ERSGA, among other activities in the United States.
“Nasir El-Rufai is an accomplished reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service. According to media reports, since mid-February, he has been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, while courts have repeatedly delayed bail hearings.
“ERSGA categorically rejects the ICPC accusations and maintains El-Rufai’s innocence, pointing to a series of alarming procedural irregularities.
“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 statement said.
Speaking for the Association, Mohammed Salihu argued that the former Governor’s ordeal reflected wider concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
ERSGA further described the case as a major test of the neutrality of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Association warned that using legal processes to edge out opposition figures could weaken democratic competition and jeopardise the credibility of future elections.
It also appealed to the United States Government, international democratic institutions and civil society organisations to keep a close watch on developments in Nigeria and speak out in defence of due process, judicial independence and the democratic environment required for free and fair elections.
El-Rufai is currently facing prosecution by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct and fraud allegedly committed during his time as Governor of Kaduna State.
He is also being prosecuted by the Department of State Services over allegations that he authorised the wiretapping of the National Security Adviser.
