The Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance, a prominent Northern political group, has responded robustly to comments made by Bashir el-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai. Bashir el-Rufai had recently predicted that President Bola Tinubu might face a challenge to his re-election in 2027 due to “non-performance.”
In a social media post, Bashir el-Rufai expressed his belief that President Tinubu’s tenure could end in 2027 if the current administration fails to meet expectations. His comments have sparked a reaction from various political quarters.
In a statement released by Malam Ibrahim Musa Bichi, Chairman of APFGG, the group criticized Bashir el-Rufai’s remarks, labeling them as “disrespectful and mannerless.” The APFGG firmly supports President Tinubu, countering Bashir el-Rufai’s prediction by highlighting the President’s achievements and future plans.
“The boy is simply speaking the voice of his father,” the statement read, referencing Bashir’s father, Nasir el-Rufai, a well-known figure in Northern Nigerian politics.
The APFGG asserted that “those who understand politics know that Tinubu has built a political structure over the years that is helping him to move Nigeria forward in the right direction.” They emphasized that there are no substantial grounds for opposing an administration that they believe is committed to improving Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The group also questioned Bashir el-Rufai’s own political ambitions, stating, “If your father has the capacity and popularity, why hide under former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and not personally contest the highly coveted seat of President in 2023?”
The APFGG’s statement concluded by challenging Bashir el-Rufai to seek a presidential ticket himself and compete against Tinubu to see where the North’s support truly lies, asserting that the real voters in the North will back President Tinubu due to his ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s issues of insecurity and economic hardship left by previous administrations.
