2027: El-Rufai’s Son and Allies Unable to Halt Tinubu’s Momentum, Says Northern Group

The Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance (APFGG), a Northern group, has issued a robust response to Bashir el-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and his associates who expressed doubts about President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election in 2027.

In a statement signed by Malam Ibrahim Musa Bichi, the Chairman of APFGG, the group dismissed Bashir el-Rufai’s remarks as disrespectful and lacking in decorum. They asserted that Bashir el-Rufai was merely echoing his father’s sentiments, implying political alignment rather than an independent perspective.

“The boy is simply speaking the voice of his father,” remarked Bichi, highlighting the perceived familial influence on Bashir’s comments.

The statement further defended Tinubu’s political legacy, citing his longstanding efforts in building a robust political structure that, according to APFGG, has been instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s development goals. They emphasized Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to address critical issues such as insecurity and economic challenges inherited from previous administrations.

“We want the likes of Bashir el-Rufai to understand that Tinubu enjoys significant support among Northern voters who recognize his commitment to national progress,” the statement asserted, underscoring Tinubu’s perceived popularity and effectiveness in governance.

The group also questioned Bashir el-Rufai’s political ambitions, challenging him to step forward and contest the presidency against Tinubu rather than aligning himself with figures like former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. This challenge was posed in response to Bashir el-Rufai’s critique of Tinubu’s performance and his reluctance to directly contest for the presidency in previous elections.

“We are challenging el-Rufai to pick a presidential ticket and contest against Tinubu and see who the North will vote for,” Bichi concluded, highlighting the group’s confidence in Tinubu’s electoral prospects and questioning Bashir el-Rufai’s political strategy.

The statement from APFGG reflects ongoing political discourse and strategic positioning within Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, underscoring the complexities and dynamics shaping the country’s political landscape.