Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has reignited debate on Nigeria’s unity after declaring that the concept of “One Nigeria” is unrealistic and outdated. Instead, he argued that regional autonomy offers the best pathway to resolving the country’s longstanding political and socio-economic challenges.
In a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Bashir suggested that Nigeria’s centralized system encourages blame-shifting and poor accountability. He insisted that devolving more powers to the regions would compel leaders to take direct responsibility for governance outcomes.
“Regional autonomy can easily solve this situation of blame games. It is crucial as all citizens of said regions would be cognisant of who they can directly hold responsible for their woes,” he wrote.
Bashir went further to dismiss the idea of national unity as abstract, remarking:
“I don’t believe in this esoteric concept of ‘One Nigeria.’ Escobar & I can agree on that.”
The “Escobar” reference was widely interpreted as a jab at President Bola Tinubu, echoing a nickname frequently used by online critics who cite Tinubu’s controversial U.S. drug-related forfeiture from the 1990s.
Echoes of Tinubu’s 1997 Position
Bashir’s remarks have drawn attention because they mirror a decades-old statement reportedly made by Tinubu himself in 1997, when he was quoted as saying he did not believe in “One Nigeria.”
Previous Criticism of Tinubu
This is not the first time Bashir has openly criticized the president. In February 2025, he warned that Tinubu would make his “biggest mistake” if he attempted to arrest his father, likening such a move to actions drug kingpin Pablo Escobar would later regret.
Bashir has also been vocal about Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. He previously predicted that opposition leader Peter Obi could defeat Tinubu if paired with a strong northern running mate.
“Obi as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate would defeat Pablo on Election Day before our dear mother of the Nation, Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around 12 noon,” he posted at the time.
While he acknowledged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as “a force to be reckoned with,” Bashir maintained that Obi’s youth appeal and grassroots followership remain unmatched among opposition candidates.
Debate Rekindled
Bashir’s latest comments are already stirring heated discussions on social media, particularly around Nigeria’s federal structure, regional agitation, and the future of its democracy. His rejection of “One Nigeria” adds to a growing chorus of voices questioning whether Nigeria can continue under its current political arrangement.
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