Bashir El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has reignited political tensions with a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, labeling him ‘Pablo’ in a social media jab that has stirred massive online reactions. Bashir didn’t stop at Tinubu, he also took aim at the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, while throwing his full weight behind Peter Obi as a formidable contender for the 2027 presidential race.
In a widely shared tweet on Thursday, Bashir likened President Tinubu to notorious Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. Taking a swipe at Remi Tinubu, he cheekily predicted that Peter Obi, paired with a strong northern running mate, would clinch victory in 2027 before “our beloved mother of the Nation, Aunty Remi finishes preparing his breakfast around noon.”
The comment, laced with sarcasm and political satire. This comes amid growing public discontent with the current administration’s economic policies, rising inflation, and cost-of-living crisis. Bashir’s post quickly went viral, sparking thousands of reactions and reigniting conversations about 2027 succession plans.
He acknowledged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a significant political figure but emphasized Obi’s growing influence, particularly among Nigeria’s youth. “Obi’s appeal among the younger generation and his unwavering support base across regions is a game-changer,” he stated.
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This isn’t the first time Bashir has referenced President Tinubu with the controversial moniker ‘Pablo’. In previous remarks, he warned that if the government ever considered arresting his father, it should also reckon with Tinubu’s own historical controversies tied to alleged drug-related activities in the United States.
Tensions between the El-Rufai family and Tinubu have grown since the Senate declined to confirm Nasir El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination. Since then, the former governor has become increasingly vocal, distancing himself from the administration he once helped bring to power. In a June interview, El-Rufai criticized the Tinubu government, calling it a disaster for the country and expressing gratitude for being left out of what he described as a failing system.
As speculation mounts over the 2027 elections, Bashir’s endorsement of Obi signals a shift in political alignments that could challenge the dominance of the ruling party.
