Bashir El-Rufai Defends Support For Peter Obi

Bashir El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has stirred social media conversations by openly praising Labour Party leader Peter Obi—an unexpected move given his history of sharp criticism toward the former Anambra governor.

In a surprising post shared on his verified X handle, Bashir uploaded a photo of Obi with his father at a recent coalition meeting and captioned it:
“I now love Peter Obi. I am allowed to change my mind abi? Sai Peter Obi ”

The comment marked a significant departure from Bashir’s usual tone, indicating a possible shift in political opinion or alliance.

When questioned by an X user on whether this new attitude means he will no longer speak ill of Peter Obi, Bashir responded affirmatively. He went as far as echoing the Northern political chant, “Sai Peter Obi,” a slogan typically reserved for Northern political figures and their supporters.

Defending his shift in stance, Bashir said, “Other influencers have changed their positions. I have the right to change mine too.”

Online Reactions

Bashir’s newfound admiration for Obi drew mixed reactions from social media users, ranging from encouragement to skepticism.

@ogbeinama welcomed him with open arms, saying: “Yes, you are welcome to the new Nigeria .”

@Usmanmaikudi99 offered a more thoughtful perspective: “And a good reason for that is because now there are more competent and experienced people to guide him aright.”

@abulesowolagos remained skeptical of political alliances: “Naija politicians will always be friends because they have the same motive. We the masses are their enemies.”

@TopeAjidahun poked fun at Bashir’s motives: “Werey you dey find VP ticket for papa. Lol person wey no fit win Kaduna.”

@Patoade84 warned of backlash: “No worry bro, dem go too drag you and your papa soon… I trust disobedient pikin.”

@OkonkwoNta took a more optimistic approach: “Sai Obi, Sai Nasir El-Rufai—the winning team. I will vote for them.”

A Complex Political Relationship

Bashir El-Rufai has not been known as a supporter of Peter Obi. In fact, during the 2023 election cycle, he was a consistent critic of Obi’s presidential ambition, often mocking his policy positions and the fervor of his supporters—the “Obidients.” His father, Nasir El-Rufai, also previously downplayed Obi’s political reach, famously referring to his popularity as an online phenomenon.

However, political watchers have noted that the coalition meeting where Obi and Nasir El-Rufai were seen together could mark the beginning of new alignments as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum. The photo of the two figures sparked interest, as it hints at possible political conversations or strategic partnerships across party lines.

While Bashir’s comment may seem casual, in the context of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, such public statements often reflect deeper calculations.

For now, it remains unclear whether Bashir’s admiration is personal, political, or both—but it has certainly reignited debate over alliances and changing loyalties among Nigeria’s political elite.

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