Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, has openly rejected the idea of “One Nigeria,” insisting that regional autonomy is the solution to the country’s problems.
In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Bashir indirectly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “Escobar,” echoing a nickname used online by critics due to Tinubu’s alleged past U.S. drug-related forfeiture.
He wrote, “Regional autonomy can easily solve this situation of blame games. It is crucial as all citizens of said regions would be cognisant of who they can directly hold responsible for their woes.”
Bashir dismissed a unified national identity as “esoteric,” adding, “I don’t believe in this esoteric concept of ‘One Nigeria’. Escobar & I can agree on that.”
His comments revive an old 1997 position once attributed to Tinubu, who reportedly said, “I don’t believe in One Nigeria.”
Earlier in February 2025, Bashir warned that President Tinubu would make his “biggest mistake” if he attempted to arrest his father, likening such a move to actions Pablo Escobar would regret.
Bashir also predicted a win for Peter Obi in 2027, saying, “Obi as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate would defeat Pablo on Election Day before our dear mother of the Nation, Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around 12 noon.”
He praised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as “a force to be reckoned with,” but emphasised Obi’s youth appeal and followership as a major advantage in the next election.
Check the post below…
Regional autonomy can easily solve this situation of blame games. It is crucial as all citizens of said regions would be cognisant of who they can directly hold responsible for their woes.
I don’t believe in this esoteric concept of ‘One Nigeria’. Escobar & I can agree on that.
— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) September 9, 2025
Leave a Reply