In a post shared on Friday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Bashir wrote: “Nigeria can become great again. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on context) a few certain people have to kpai (die) to achieve this dream.”

B ashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked outrage on social media after declaring that certain people must be killed for Nigeria to attain greatness.

In a post shared on Friday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Bashir wrote: “Nigeria can become great again. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on context) a few certain people have to kpai (die) to achieve this dream.”

The comment, which many users described as dangerous and inciteful, quickly drew sharp reactions on the platform, with some users questioning the moral compass of the former governor's son and accusing him of promoting violence as a political ideology.

One user, identified as Shozy, fired back, “Hand over your dear dad, he's part of the system that brought us to this point. But I'm sure you can't because you're already following in his footsteps, you can't acknowledge his flaws.”

In a swift response, Bashir defended himself while indirectly distancing from his father's legacy:

“Anyone that knows me knows I wholeheartedly acknowledge his flaws, furthermore I often disagree with many of his views. That is the sort of family I was raised in.”

Shozy replied, “If you acknowledge his flaws, are you promising to deliver him to be unalived among the people you're proposing that should be killed for the betterment of our country? Do you have the balls to make that tough decision, do you love the country that much to sacrifice him?”

Despite his attempt to clarify his stance, many Nigerians saw Bashir’s original statement as reflective of a growing disdain among political elites for democratic processes and the rule of law.

Some netizens also pointed out the irony of someone from a powerful political dynasty suggesting that “a few certain people” should be eliminated, without explicitly naming who those individuals are.

An X user, Ola said: “Your dad is leading in this one and definitely first that need to make way for the new generation.”

Another user, Tolu wrote: “Son of terrorist, bred by chaos, mentored by bloodshed, now tweeting like a saint.”

Ifedayo (JIMCRUZ) wtote, “So you’re wishing death on your father? I’m shaking right now.”

Oluwasayofunmi wrote, “Yes you are Right …I Nominate 1…@elrufai 2…@elrufai 3..@BashirElRufai
“We all know how he said if any foreigner intervene in Nigeria politics they will return in Body Bags ..
@grok fact check me please.”

Ikwere wrote: “Truth of the matter is, I like you as one of the best legislators we have right now?
“But most times you tweet carelessly. I mean you should have some sense on leadership even when online so most of these tweets don't come back to hunt you.I love the bills you propose though.”

Another user, Armstrong wrote: “This is a reckless statement to say, people will start interpreting their own way very soon. You of all people should know how volatile the nation is when it comes to politics.”

Shunom wrote: “Nig will be good, remind your father that forgiveness is possible if he supports @PeterObi i served ur father as DG in my LG 2015. despite my contributions, I feel that he undermined my career advancement. I'm hoping that supporting aworthy cause can help heal past wounds."

Samfizzy wrote: “Your father first, charity begins at home, kpai your father first and we will handle ours . I heard your father borrowed money sotey Kaduna almost got taken over by China.”


El-Rufai’s Tainted Profile

Bashir’s father, El-Rufai, is accused of misappropriating ₦432 billion during his eight-year tenure between 2015 and 2023, leaving Kaduna State with significant debt liabilities.

In April 2025, the Kaduna State House of Assembly launched a probe via a 13-member ad-hoc committee to investigate alleged corruption, including money laundering and misuse of public funds.

El-Rufai has sued the Assembly, challenging the findings and defending his administration’s financial record.

Ethno-Religious Crisis During El-Rufai’s Tenure

His administration was marked by persistent ethno-religious violence, especially in Southern Kaduna, a region with a history of Christian-majority communities clashing with Fulani herders and other groups.

Temitope Ajayi, a presidential media aide, accused El-Rufai of deepening insecurity and fostering division, stating that his leadership created a “polarised and volatile” environment.

El-Rufai’s tenure is remembered for political divisiveness, fear, and distrust.

El-Rufai’s successor, Uba Sani, has emphasised inclusive governance and claims to have resolved the ethno-religious crisis through justice, equity, and fairness.

According to Sani, no ethnic-religious crisis has occurred in Kaduna since he took office in 2023, attributing this to his efforts to build elite consensus and promote unity.