By Gwurld4026 
Reflections on Political Allegiances and Personal Views
Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly expressed regret over his previous negative perceptions of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. In a recent statement, Bashir admitted that his earlier views were influenced by misinformation from former political associates. He remarked, “Peter Obi is not a bad person. My mind was poisoned by my former party members.”
This revelation comes amid significant political shifts within the El-Rufai family. Nasir El-Rufai, after serving as a ministerial nominee under President Bola Tinubu, faced a withheld confirmation due to security concerns. Following this, he co-founded a venture capital firm aimed at boosting northern Nigeria’s economy. In March 2024, El-Rufai met with leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sparking speculation about a potential defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. He later announced his intention to return to politics in 2027, stating, “there is no retirement in politics.”
Bashir’s recent comments suggest a reevaluation of his political stance, possibly influenced by his father’s evolving political trajectory. His acknowledgment of past biases and the family’s shifting political dynamics highlight the complex nature of Nigerian politics, where personal relationships and party affiliations often intersect and influence public perceptions.
