31-member coalition of professionals solidarises with El-Rufai, slams Tinubu govt over alleged harassment, political witch-hunt
By KEMI KASUMU
The Coalition is particularly concerned about the implications of politically charged actions capable of eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and weakening the credibility of due process.
The Coalition of Professionals (COP) has raised alarm over what it described as a sustained campaign of harassment, invasion of privacy, and political intimidation against its Principal, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a communiqué issued Monday following its National Executive Meeting, the group cited a reported attempted kidnap incident at the as part of what it called a troubling pattern of politically motivated actions.
The Coalition said it had undertaken “exhaustive deliberations and broad consultations” before arriving at its position, stressing that while it recognizes that all citizens are subject to the rule of law, every Nigerian is equally entitled to constitutional protections, dignity, and fairness.
The COP expressed concern that “politically charged actions” could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and undermine due process. The group maintained that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
The Coalition said it is closely monitoring developments ahead of a scheduled court appearance on February 25, 2026, urging relevant institutions to ensure a fair, transparent, and impartial judicial process. It also called for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and respect for fundamental human rights.
While stating that it does not oppose lawful investigations conducted within the framework of justice, the group condemned what it described as intimidation, harassment, and politically motivated actions.
The Coalition appealed to its state coordinators, zonal leaders, and members nationwide to remain calm, disciplined, and law-abiding. It cautioned against inflammatory statements, the circulation of unverified information, and any conduct capable of disrupting public peace.
“Our strength lies not in provocation, but in principled and lawful engagement,” the communiqué stated.
Reaffirming its support for El-Rufai, the group said its solidarity is rooted in confidence in his leadership and contributions to national development. It assured that its support would remain peaceful and guided strictly by constitutional principles.
The Coalition also appealed to the general public to allow the judicial process to run its full course without speculation or premature conclusions, noting that democracy is strengthened when institutions function independently and political disputes are resolved within the law.
The communiqué was signed by coordinators and representatives of the Coalition across several states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The group concluded by reiterating its commitment to justice, democracy, constitutionalism, and national stability, expressing confidence that “truth, fairness, and the rule of law shall ultimately prevail.”
FULL TEXT:
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE COALITION OF PROFESSIONALS (COP) ON THE INVASION OF PRIVACY, POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT, INTIMIDATION AND HARASSMENT OF OUR PRINCIPAL, MALAM NASIR EL-RUFAI
Date: Monday, 23rd February 2026
The Coalition of Professionals (COP), at its duly convened National Executive Meeting held on Monday, 23rd February 2026, carefully deliberated on recent developments concerning our Principal, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, particularly the reported harassment, invasion of privacy, intimidation, and the attempted kidnap incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Following exhaustive deliberations, broad consultations, and a comprehensive review of the prevailing political and legal circumstances, the Coalition of Professionals hereby issue the following communiqué:
- Expression of Concern
The Coalition of Professionals express deep concern over what it considers a sustained pattern of political witch-hunt, harassment, and invasion of privacy directed at our Principal.
As a body of responsible citizens and professionals drawn from diverse sectors of national life, committed to democratic ideals, constitutional order, and the rule of law, we view these developments with utmost seriousness and patriotic responsibility.
While we acknowledge that in a constitutional democracy every citizen is subject to the rule of law, we equally affirm that every citizen regardless of political affiliation, status, or public standing is entitled to dignity, fairness, and the full protection guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Coalition is particularly concerned about the implications of politically charged actions capable of eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and weakening the credibility of due process.
- Affirmation of the Rule of Law
The Coalition of Professionals reiterate its unwavering commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary. We firmly believe that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
As law abiding citizens, members of the Coalition are observing with keen interest and patience how the judicial process will unfold when this matter comes before the court on 25th February 2026. In this regard, we respectfully call on all relevant institutions to ensure:
a fair, transparent, and impartial judicial process;
respect for the fundamental human rights of our Principal;
strict adherence to due process and constitutional provisions.
We urge that all legal proceedings be conducted without political bias, intimidation, coercion, or undue influence from any quarter.
Furthermore, as a responsible and united body, we are confident in the personal well-being and medical fitness of our Principal and have firm belief that he will emerge from this process hale and hearty.
We state clearly that while we are not opposed to any lawful investigation carried out within the framework of justice and fairness, we condemn in its entirety any form of intimidation, harassment, manipulation, or politically motivated witch-hunt.
The Nigeria we advocate for is one devoid of oppression, suppression, and repression a nation governed by equity, justice, and institutional integrity.
- Call for Unity and Responsible Conduct
The Coalition of Professionals calls on all State Coordinators, Zonal Leaders, National Officers, and members nationwide to remain calm, united, disciplined, and steadfast during this period.
This moment demands political maturity, strategic patience, and collective responsibility.
As law-abiding citizens, we must:
Avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of disrupting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria
Refrain from circulating unverified information;
Promote peace, order, and responsible civic engagement across all platforms;
Ensure that our conduct reflects the professionalism, discipline, and integrity that define the Coalition.
Our strength lies not in provocation, but in principled and lawful engagement.
- Assurance of Support to Our Principal
In unison and with full conviction, we stand in solidarity with our Principal, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, during this challenging period.
Our support is rooted in our confidence in his leadership, his contributions to national development, and his longstanding commitment to public service and institutional reform.
We assure him that
The Coalition remains united and resolute;
All State and National structures are fully mobilised in lawful and peaceful support
We shall continue to advocate for justice, fairness, and transparency within the bounds of democratic engagement.
Our solidarity shall remain peaceful, lawful, and guided strictly by constitutional principles.
- Appeal to Members and the General Public
We appeal to all members across the federation to remain peaceful and law-abiding at all times. The Coalition does not condone violence, civil unrest, or any action capable of undermining public order or national stability.
We also urge the general public to allow the judicial process to run its full course without prejudice, speculation, or premature conclusions.
Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when institutions function independently, when citizens exercise restraint, and when political differences are resolved within the framework of law.
Conclusion
The Coalition of Professionals remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, democracy, constitutionalism, and national stability.
We place our trust in the oath protecting and guiding our judiciary and maintain firm belief that truth, fairness, and the rule of law shall ultimately prevail.
We stand firm.
We remain united.
We remain law-abiding, mindful that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man
Signed:
- Dr Dandy Eruogu
Ebonyi State (Coordinator) - Hon. Eld. Olatunde Olanipekun
Ondo State (Coordinator) - Umar, Isa Almacir.
FCT (Coordinator) - Comr. Bakare Gabriel
Ogun State (Coordinator) - Comr. Suleiman M. Usman
Taraba State (Coordinator) - Engr (Amb.) ThankGod Thompson
Bayelsa State (Coordinator) - Hon. Mrs Oby Imoh
Abia State (Coordinator) - Comr. Isah Aliyu
Kwara State (Coordinator) - Dr Kelechi Eke
Imo state (Coordinator) - Babangida Mohammad isa.
Bauchi State (Coordinator) - Alhaji umar Umar
Yobe State (Coordinator) - Dr Paul Ubokulo
Akwa Ibom State (Coordinator) - Usman Muhammad Musa
Bauchi State (Coordinator) - Bipialaka Prince Godwin
Rivers State (Coordinator) - Alh Mohamed Gambo
Kogi State (Coordinator) - Comr. Muhammad Ibrahim Tafida
Popular Name: Comrade Ribado
State: Kaduna State (Coordinator) - Abdulrahman Ummar maisalati
Sokoto State (Coordinator) - Muhammad Garba Fakai
Kebbi State (Coordinator) - Uzaifa Usman
Zamfara State (Coordinator) - Hon Shadrach Anakwe
Anambra State (Coordinator) - Mr. Emmanuel Jideofor
Enugu State (Coordinator)
(22) Hon Tabitha Musa Gambo Plateau State (Cordinator)
(23) Hon Martha Zamani Musa Lagos State (Cordinator)
(24) Dr. Mohammad Almustapha Fagge.
Kano State (Coordinator)
(25) Imam Malik Mahmoud
Katsina State (Coordinator)
(26) Mohammad Kolo
Borno State ( Cordinator)
(27) Comr Suleiman M Usman Taraba State (Cordinator)
(28) Habu Sani Adamawa State (Cordinator)
(29) Hon Amb Hajia Rabi Umar Abubakar
Deputy Superintendent (Sokoto)
(30) Archbishop Iyango Eric Lazarus Superintendent (Rivers)
(31) Mr Chapp Jumbo Jonathan
National Representative
Coalition of Professionals
#LETNIGERIALIVE.
#LETEL-RUFAILIVE
#LETDEMOCRACYLIVE
