Mr. Bashir El-Rufai, a True Son of His Father

"Can't wait for this man to relocate back to Bourdillon. The North is ready."

Bashir El-Rufai

@BashirElRufai

19/06/2025

There is a saying: “Show me your friend, and I will tell you who you are.” That proverb carries weight, especially in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Initially, I was not a supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan. I couldn’t understand how a PhD holder, an academic, and a son of the Niger Delta could appear so passive and seemingly uninformed about Nigeria’s complex political machinery. I expected him to reform the PDP from within, lead a transformative government, be more socially engaged, and recruit patriotic intellectuals like Dr. Festus Iyayi of UNIBEN and Dr. Attahiru Jega (before he was appointed INEC Chairman) as key figures in his administration. But his governance seemed to follow the same tired pattern of business as usual.

My scepticism deepened when investigations revealed that the sons of both past and sitting PDP chairmen during his tenure were implicated in a massive petroleum subsidy fraud that siphoned off billions from the NNPC’s subsidy fund. I had every reason to be disappointed. However, my opinion began to shift over time.

One day, while browsing Facebook, I came across Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s page. I had long admired El-Rufai, especially for his work cleaning up Abuja as FCT Minister. That admiration ended abruptly. Reading the posts and comments on his page, particularly those targeting President Jonathan, was a turning point for me. I was appalled that someone who had held such a high office would allow his platform to become a hub of bile, hate, and vitriol directed at a sitting president.

Disgusted, I returned to my blog and edited the introduction to an essay I wrote, advocating for an alliance between Southern progressives and Northern mavericks to challenge the PDP. Though the main content remained, I had to rewrite the preamble. See https://hamiltonatlarge.blogspot.com/2012/03/game-change-uncertainties-of-snc-and.html?zx=b83eba38448ef1e7

Over the years, reading Bashir El-Rufai’s (Governor El-Rufai's son) social media posts has been deeply disconcerting. One begins to wonder if he is truly a Nigerian, or whether he has benefited from any formal education at all. Even more troubling is the tacit support his father appears to offer for his crass and divisive commentary. If Governor El-Rufai had disapproved, his son would likely have changed by now. This is not an ideologically driven resentment; it is purely tribal, class-based, and feudal-leaning hatred.

This is precisely what I try to explain to my friends and family when they question my support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Bashir El-Rufai is a true reflection of his father. The campaign against President Tinubu is not driven by love for the Almajiri population or the Talakawa of Nigeria, nor by a better track record of service to these groups. It is fueled by resentment over Tinubu's disruption of the status quo — a system that once allowed a few privileged individuals like the El-Rufais of Nigeria to monopolise federal power and resources with minimal accountability.

The painful loss of lives in Southern Kaduna during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, his questionable actions during President Jonathan’s military campaign against Boko Haram (including his infamous “anyone who kills a Fulani has taken a loan ... ” remark), and his controversial trip to the Sahel to negotiate with armed herders — all point to a troubling legacy. One is forced to ask how such a man came to wield so much influence over Nigeria’s future. I pity Alhaji Atiku Abubakar if this is the kind of ally he must rely on.

Today, Nigeria is engulfed in internal strife, violence, and terror, partly the result of foreign mercenaries allegedly brought in to intimidate Jonathan out of contesting the presidential election results against General Buhari. Yet, President Jonathan chose to walk away with dignity. And now, where are we?

The North, which Bashir claimed is “ready to fight President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” is embroiled in self-inflicted turmoil. President Tinubu is now confronted with multiple crises: the Middle Belt is in flames, the South is simmering with secessionist tensions, and the very forces Bashir and his ilk once empowered are wreaking havoc on communities, highways, and farmlands across Nigeria.

Reading Bashir’s unhinged public statements helps one understand why these armed militants show no mercy to their victims. You can practically feel the horrendous extent of his hatred and heartlessness. No iota of civility or traces of decency in his utterances and commentaries. Don't you have shame, Bashir? Are there no elders in your household or community at all? Where is the educated man in you, brother?

Let it be made clear to you: the Nigeria where your dad reigned as an untouchable kingmaker is gone. This is more than President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election. It is about fundamentally transforming Nigeria into a true nation-state built on equality, accountability, and shared purpose. A Nigeria where unchecked privilege, inherited power, and entitlement no longer dictate who gets heard and who holds sway.

If the status quo has intensified the grievances expressed by individuals such as Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu, it is largely due to the prolonged influence of figures like Bashir El-Rufai, who have been granted platforms and unchecked authority to sow division, dictate public policy, and shape the direction of our political system detrimentally.

This must not be allowed to continue. Nigeria is a nation worth preserving, but certainly not through the divisive actions and explosive utterances associated with the El-Rufai clan.

In conclusion, rather than dedicating my efforts to advocating for secession or the dissolution of this great nation, I shall continue to focus on mitigating the adverse influence of individuals such as Mr. Bashir El-Rufai on our public policy and on preventing those who espouse similar views from occupying public office in Nigeria. Insha Allah, I am resolutely committed to overcoming this challenge. Above all, this is a matter of advancing good governance in opposition to destructive forces.