The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has maintained that its handling of the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is strictly based on legal procedures and not driven by political considerations.
The anti-graft agency made the clarification following a move by the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA), which recently hired Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based advocacy organisation, to spearhead an international campaign drawing attention to what it described as violations of due process and weakening adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the commission was unfazed by the group’s decision to seek support from international stakeholders.
He said, “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 further rejected suggestions that the commission was being deployed as a political tool against the former governor.
“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 said.
Earlier on Wednesday, ERSGA disclosed that it had retained Vanguard Africa to coordinate advocacy efforts in the United States concerning El-Rufai’s legal troubles.
In a statement, the group said documents filed with the US Department of State showed that the firm would engage officials within the US administration, members of Congress, government agencies, pro-democracy organisations and multilateral institutions on issues surrounding the former governor’s case.
The association described El-Rufai as a veteran public servant and reform advocate, while insisting that the allegations against him lacked merit.
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“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 amactivities 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 read.
Speaking for the association, Mohammed Salihu argued that the former governor’s prosecution highlighted broader concerns about the state of democratic governance in Nigeria.
He added, “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.”
According to ERSGA, the matter represents a critical test of the neutrality and independence of Nigeria’s institutions, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group cautioned that using legal processes to target opposition figures could weaken public confidence in democratic competition and electoral credibility.
The association also appealed to the United States Government, international democracy-focused institutions and civil society groups to keep a close watch on political and legal developments in Nigeria.
It urged them to publicly defend due process, judicial independence and the conditions necessary for free and fair elections.
El-Rufai is currently facing charges brought by the ICPC over alleged abuse of office, fraud and financial misconduct during his time as Kaduna State governor.
He is also being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he authorised the interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser.