Bashir El-Rufai has mocks Tinubu as ‘Pablo’ and backs Peter Obi for 2027 Presidency.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has once again taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, referring to him as “Pablo” in a mocking comparison to infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
In a social media post on Thursday, Bashir also ridiculed First Lady Remi Tinubu and declared his support for Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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According to Bashir, Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, could defeat President Tinubu even before the First Lady finishes preparing breakfast on election day. “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 posted.
While acknowledging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a significant political force, Bashir stressed that Obi’s wide appeal, particularly among the youth, positions him as a formidable challenger. “His appeal across the youth and this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage,” he said, pointing to Obi’s cult-like following as a game-changer in future elections.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, was contacted for a response but did not immediately comment on the remarks.
This is not the first time Bashir has attacked President Tinubu, whom he previously likened to Escobar in reference to past narcotics allegations linked to a U.S. forfeiture case. He also warned that arresting his father, Nasir El-Rufai, would be a major political blunder for the Tinubu administration.
The younger El-Rufai’s comments follow growing tensions between President Tinubu and his father, who has openly criticized the administration. After his ministerial nomination was blocked by the Senate, Nasir El-Rufai publicly distanced himself from Tinubu and accused the administration of incompetence and betrayal.
In a widely circulated interview, he admitted regretting his role in Tinubu’s emergence as president, citing the ongoing economic hardship and policy failures.
In June, the former governor went as far as describing Tinubu’s government as an “evil” threatening to ruin the country. He said he was joining forces with other political actors to build a coalition aimed at removing the president in 2027. El-Rufai also previously thanked God for not being part of the current administration, adding that every time he observed its failings, he felt relief for staying out.
