Bashir El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has stirred controversy online after suggesting that some individuals need to die for Nigeria to attain greatness.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Bashir wrote:
“Nigeria can become great again. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on context) a few certain people have to kpai to achieve this dream.”
The post, which included the Nigerian slang “kpai” (a euphemism for die), quickly drew criticism, with many Nigerians interpreting it as a dangerous and insensitive remark.
Nigerians React
Social media users flooded the comment section, with several pointing fingers at Bashir’s own father, Nasir El-Rufai, as one of those allegedly hindering Nigeria’s progress.
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@Undiluted_Ola replied: “Your dad is leading in this one and definitely first that needs to make way for the new generation.”
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@legendchild2019 added: “Your father must be among those that will kpai.”
Others called out the hypocrisy and insensitivity in Bashir’s statement, labeling it as reckless, especially given his family’s political influence.
Political Context
This controversy emerges amid growing speculation that Nasir El-Rufai is part of a coalition of opposition leaders gearing up against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports indicate that El-Rufai may team up with Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate. El-Rufai is rumored to be positioning himself as Obi’s running mate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a party recently adopted by several opposition figures.
