El-Rufai’s Son Calls Vice President Shettima “Spineless”

Lagos, Nigeria – In a bold and controversial move that has set social media ablaze and raised eyebrows across Nigeria’s political landscape, Bashir Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly lambasted Vice President Kashim Shettima, labeling him “painfully spineless” while imploring him to wield his influence against what he described as a “corrupt criminal family system” entrenched within the Presidential Villa. The incendiary remark, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 6, 2026, was swiftly deleted but not before screenshots circulated widely, sparking intense debate and calls for investigation.

The post, which has since gone viral despite its removal, read: “I like Shettima. He’s just painfully spineless. I hope one day he realizes he is positioned in a unique place, and ability to take the whole corrupt criminal family system at the Villa down. He has the leverage tbh.” This cryptic yet pointed message appears to insinuate that Vice President Shettima, as the second-in-command in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, holds significant leverage to challenge alleged corruption at the heart of Nigeria’s seat of power, Aso Rock. Political analysts have interpreted the “corrupt criminal family system” as a veiled reference to influential figures close to the presidency, potentially including family members or allies of President Tinubu himself.

The timing of Bashir El-Rufai’s outburst could not be more charged. Nigeria is grappling with economic hardships, including soaring inflation and currency devaluation, amid ongoing allegations of graft in high places. As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have simmered since the 2023 elections, with figures like Nasir El-Rufai expressing dissatisfaction over cabinet appointments and policy directions. El-Rufai, a key architect of Tinubu’s presidential campaign, was notably snubbed for a ministerial role in 2023 due to security clearance issues, a development that fueled speculation of internal rifts. His son’s latest comments have reignited these flames, suggesting deeper fractures in the northern wing of the APC.

Social media reactions have been swift and polarized. On X, users like @abdullahayofel amplified the post, captioning it with “It’s getting interesting….. Don’t say just Retweet 🤔 🙆👇,” garnering thousands of views and engagements. Another user, @pontrol_777, expressed bewilderment and concern, stating: “I honestly don’t understand what he meant by ‘Shettima is spineless’… Is he calling for coup, forceful replacement or what?” Calls for intervention by security agencies have echoed loudly. @asunkybobo urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police to invite Bashir for questioning, arguing that the post could imply incitement against the president: “Here you insinuated that the VP Shettima should kpa! his boss.”

Political commentators have not minced words in condemning the remarks. Many view them as potentially treasonous, given Nigeria’s constitutional framework where the vice president ascends to the presidency in the event of the president’s removal or demise. “The unguarded remark could suggest that the former governor’s son wants the Vice President to take action that could see the president eliminated,” noted one analyst on Nairaland, a popular Nigerian forum where the story has dominated discussions. Under Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act, statements that incite disaffection or advocate the overthrow of the government could be deemed seditious. Legal experts contacted by NaijaChoice News emphasized that while freedom of speech is protected, such comments tread a fine line, especially in a politically volatile environment.

The El-Rufai family’s history of outspokenness adds layers to this saga. Nasir El-Rufai, known for his no-holds-barred style during his tenure as Kaduna governor and earlier as FCT Minister, has often clashed with establishment figures. His son Bashir, a vocal social media personality with a following that includes political insiders, has inherited this trait. In July 2025, Vice President Shettima himself praised the senior El-Rufai at a book launch, saying, “You can hate him, you can love him, but you can’t ignore him.” This acknowledgment of El-Rufai’s enduring influence now seems ironic, as Bashir’s critique turns the spotlight on Shettima’s perceived inaction.

Vice President Shettima, a former Borno State governor renowned for his eloquence and focus on northern issues, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. His office, when reached for comment, declined to address the matter, stating only that the vice president remains committed to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, Shettima has been instrumental in rallying stakeholders for national development, including at the PGF Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit in early 2026, where he emphasized unity and skills development. However, critics argue that his “spineless” label stems from frustrations over the administration’s handling of corruption scandals, such as ongoing probes into oil sector mismanagement and budget padding allegations.

This incident unfolds against a backdrop of broader political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections. Northern leaders, including elements within the APC, have voiced discontent with the Tinubu administration’s policies, which some perceive as favoring southern interests. El-Rufai’s exclusion from key roles has been seen as a deliberate marginalization, prompting speculation about potential alliances or defections. A Facebook post from user Idris highlighted this sentiment: “The Northern elders, leaders and followers planted Vice President Shettima at the State House to kpai Asiwaju and His family, so says HellRufai son.” Such narratives underscore the ethnic and regional undercurrents that could escalate if not addressed.

Security implications cannot be overlooked. In a nation still healing from the scars of military coups and insurgencies, any suggestion of destabilizing the presidency invites scrutiny. Political observers warn that unchecked social media rhetoric could embolden extremists or deepen divisions. “Many political commentators have condemned his unguarded remarks and have called for a probe into the matter,” as echoed in various online forums. The DSS, known for monitoring threats to national security, may well take interest, especially given past invitations to critics like Sowore and others.

As of press time on March 7, 2026, Bashir El-Rufai has offered no clarification or apology, leaving the public to speculate on his intentions. His X account remains active, but the deleted post’s ripple effects continue to spread. LeadersNG, an online news platform, was among the first to report the story in detail, amplifying its reach.

This controversy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the power of social media in shaping political discourse. While some dismiss it as youthful exuberance, others see it as a symptom of deeper malaise within the APC. NaijaChoice News will continue to monitor developments, providing balanced coverage as events unfold. In the words of one commenter on X, “Apc is pure evil,” reflecting the cynicism that pervades public sentiment. For now, the ball is in Vice President Shettima’s court – will he respond with the “leverage” Bashir claims he possesses, or will silence prevail?