Advocacy Group Urges Global Action Against Nasir El-Rufai Over Alleged Hate Speech.
The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), a Nigerian human rights advocacy group, has called on the United States, United Kingdom, and other world powers to declare former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai a global persona non grata, citing allegations of hate speech and actions that threaten peace. In an open letter addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General and ambassadors of the UK, USA, Canada, China, and other nations represented in Nigeria, TAN accused El-Rufai of stoking ethnic and religious tensions, particularly in Southern Kaduna.
TAN’s National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, described El-Rufai as a “merchant of hate” whose rhetoric and governance have fuelled division. The group pointed to a recent television appearance where El-Rufai allegedly made comments dismissing and dehumanising the people of Southern Kaduna, a region plagued by recurrent violence. “On live television, he began the process of wiping a people off the map,” Briggs stated, urging the international community to act decisively by barring El-Rufai from entering or residing in their countries and denying him access to foreign financial institutions.
The group further referenced El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, claiming Kaduna was “drowned in blood” under his leadership, with communities in Southern Kaduna facing repeated attacks and massacres. TAN also cited the 2015 military crackdown on the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, accusing El-Rufai of condoning atrocities. Additionally, they recalled his controversial 2023 election remark threatening to put international observers “in body bags,” arguing it reflects a disregard for legal and moral norms.
TAN’s appeal frames the declaration of El-Rufai as persona non grata as a vital message to victims of violence in Southern Kaduna and a deterrent to leaders who promote division. “This is not just about border control; it tells the people of Southern Kaduna they are seen and the victims of past violence are not forgotten,” the letter concluded. The group warned against allowing El-Rufai to seek sanctuary abroad, pressing foreign governments to take preventive action.
The call has sparked debate in Nigeria, with supporters of El-Rufai, including his son Bashir, defending his legacy as a transformative leader. Critics, however, see TAN’s move as a step towards accountability for inflammatory rhetoric. As Nigeria grapples with security and ethnic challenges, the international response to TAN’s appeal could shape perceptions of justice and human rights in the region.
