Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, caused a stir on social media when he asserted that President Bola Tinubu would be voted out in the 2027 elections. This statement prompted a response from the Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance (APFGG), a northern group. They criticized Bashir and defended Tinubu’s presidency, emphasizing that Northerners would support Tinubu’s re-election.
Bashir’s comments, made on his X account on July 10, 2024, implied that Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani could face unexpected results in the upcoming general elections without repercussions. He wrote about the potential for electoral change and mentioned the IMF and World Bank, suggesting they wouldn’t be able to intervene.
In response, APFGG condemned Bashir’s remarks and challenged his father, Nasir El-Rufai, to run against Tinubu in 2027. They argued that Tinubu’s political structure and efforts to address insecurity and economic hardship would secure him the support of Northern voters. The group also highlighted accusations against Nasir El-Rufai involving ₦423 billion in state funds.
APFGG’s Chairman, Malam Ibrahim Musa Bichi, emphasized Tinubu’s work through the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed confidence that the real voters in the North would continue to back Tinubu’s administration. The group called on Bashir to recognize the President’s efforts and the support he has garnered within the region.