Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has stirred political conversation by declaring support for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, predicting he will defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, Dockaysworld reports.
In a post shared via his official handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Bashir acknowledged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains a significant political force. However, he emphasized that Obi’s youth-powered popularity and strong nationwide appeal make him a more formidable contender in the next election cycle.
“Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favour,” Bashir wrote. “And although 2019 is thought to have been his best shot, this may be one of those ‘moment-meets-the-man’ instances.”
Despite this, Bashir noted that Obi’s influence—particularly among Nigeria’s younger demographic—is a game-changer.
“The sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult-like followership brings a challenge. His appeal across the youth and this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage,” he added.
Bashir went further, stating that should Obi lead an opposition coalition and pair with a strong Northern running mate, he would defeat Tinubu swiftly, even taunting:
“He [Obi] would defeat Pablo before Remi finishes her breakfast.”
The term “Pablo” is widely believed to be a jab at President Tinubu, whose critics sometimes use the nickname in satire.
Bashir El-Rufai’s public endorsement of Peter Obi has sparked intense discussions across social media platforms, given his family’s deep ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As 2027 draws closer, many observers believe the next general election could mark a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially with the growing political awareness among young voters.
