El-Rufai’s Son Bashir Rejects ‘One Nigeria,’ Describes Tinubu As ‘Escobar’

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed the notion of “One Nigeria,” arguing instead that regional autonomy is the way forward.

In a post shared on his X page on Tuesday, Bashir appeared to take a swipe at President Bola Tinubu by calling him “Escobar,” a nickname often used online by critics referencing Tinubu’s alleged past drug-related forfeiture case in the United States.

According to him, allowing regions to control their own affairs would end the constant “blame game,” since citizens would know exactly who to hold accountable for their challenges.

“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.”

“I don’t believe in this esoteric concept of ‘One Nigeria’. Escobar & I can agree on that,” he wrote.

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.

I don’t believe in this esoteric concept of ‘One Nigeria’. Escobar & I can agree on that.

— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) September 9, 2025

KanyiDaily recalls that Bashir El-Rufai previously said that certain people need to die for Nigeria to become great again.