Supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have launched a nationwide crowdfunding campaign to raise money for his presidential nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite his continued detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The initiative, announced by the El-Rufai Support Group (ESG), has intensified political discussions across the country over the former governor’s possible presidential ambition and the circumstances surrounding his prolonged detention.
In a statement shared on the verified social media handle of Uche Diala, the organisation said it had resolved to coordinate the purchase of the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress on behalf of El-Rufai.
The group said the crowdfunding exercise followed growing pressure from supporters and political associates urging the former governor to contest the 2027 presidential election.
According to the statement, the fundraising campaign is voluntary and intended to give supporters across the country an opportunity to contribute toward the purchase of the nomination forms.
The ESG subsequently released a donation account and appealed to Nigerians willing to support the project to contribute financially.
The group also claimed that within four hours of launching the campaign, it had raised N45.75 million.
The fundraising drive comes at a time El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody over allegations linked to financial misconduct and abuse of office during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
His continued detention has generated mixed political reactions across the country, with supporters alleging political persecution, while the anti-graft agency maintains that due legal process is being followed in its investigation.
Observers say the decision by his loyalists to proceed with a public fundraising campaign despite his detention signals an attempt to sustain political momentum around his possible presidential ambition ahead of 2027.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term governor of Kaduna State, remains one of the most influential yet controversial political figures in Northern Nigeria.
His recent political alignment with the ADC after distancing himself from the ruling All Progressives Congress has continued to fuel speculation about a possible political confrontation with the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although the former governor has yet to formally declare his intention to contest the presidency, the latest mobilisation by his supporters is being viewed in political circles as an early indication of preparations for a possible 2027 campaign.
The support group, however, maintained that all donations realised from the exercise would be used strictly for the purchase of the ADC presidential nomination and expression of interest forms,
while promising to publish details of contributors and the total funds raised in the interest of transparency and accountability.
