Masari: Tinubu’s point man

Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Affairs, has emerged as a prominent and influential politician in Nigeria. After his role as a temporary running mate to Tinubu in the 2023 elections, Masari has become the prime mover of political events related to the president, capturing the essence of the presidential campaign.

He is seen as the closest politician to Tinubu in northern Nigeria, a position that was previously held by Senator Abu Ibrahim. While other politicians such as George Akume, Joshua Dariye, and Ali Modu Sheriff also maintain close ties with Tinubu, Masari is now considered the new political point man of the president in the North.

Masari's rise to prominence began when he was submitted as the placeholder running mate for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Following Tinubu's victory, Masari was appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs and later elevated to Special Adviser on Political Affairs. His public image peaked when President Tinubu referred to him as "My Waziri," a title akin to a prime minister in a western setting, further solidifying his unofficial position as the closest person to the president in northern Nigeria.

Political observers believe Masari wields significant influence and is held in high regard among political leaders in the North. He is seen as the go-to person for anyone seeking favour from the president, and his association with top government officials and public figures further emphasizes his importance. Masari's relationship with Tinubu has grown through his involvement in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his work promoting the Tinubu-Radda political agenda.

Recently, he organized a gathering of 500 Islamic scholars and religious leaders across northern states, which resulted in their endorsement of Tinubu for re-election in 2027.