Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Affairs, has emerged as one of the prominent political figures around the presidency, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Masari’s growing influence marks a significant shift from his relatively low-profile role in national political engagements before the 2023 presidential election, when he briefly served as a placeholder running mate to Tinubu.
His elevation within the presidency has increasingly placed him at the centre of political engagements involving the President, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and stakeholders across the northern region.
A recent profile published by Weekend Trust described Masari as a major political force around the President and reported that sources regard him as one of Tinubu’s closest political associates in northern Nigeria. (Katsina Times)
Masari’s political journey has also been shaped by his long-standing relationship with Tinubu and his experience within the APC. Before joining the presidency, he served as the party’s National Welfare Secretary during the tenure of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman.
In 2023, Tinubu appointed him Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs. He was subsequently elevated to the position of Special Adviser on Political Affairs in March 2026, reflecting the growing importance of his role in the President’s political engagements. The State House described Masari as a close ally of the President when announcing the appointment. (State House Abuja)
His experience as an APC grassroots organiser has also contributed to his prominence. Reports have described him as a political organiser with extensive connections across northern Nigeria, giving him access to party stakeholders and political actors in the region. (TheCable)
From Placeholder to Presidential Confidant
Masari attracted national attention during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election when his name appeared on the APC presidential ticket as Tinubu’s temporary running mate.
The arrangement was intended to meet electoral requirements while the APC and Tinubu finalised the choice of a substantive running mate. Tinubu later selected Senator Kashim Shettima for the position.
Masari has previously said he understood that his role was temporary and accepted the eventual decision without resistance.
In a September 2026 interview with The Guardian, Masari explained that his name was submitted as a placeholder to meet the electoral deadline while the selection of the substantive running mate was concluded. He said he accepted Tinubu’s decision to choose Shettima. (The Guardian)
The episode, however, did not end Masari’s political relevance within the Tinubu camp. Instead, his subsequent rise in the presidency has positioned him as an important link between the President and political actors.
A Growing Role Ahead of 2027
Masari’s responsibilities have become particularly significant as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
In his current role, he has increasingly featured in conversations surrounding the APC’s political strategy, the opposition coalition and the administration’s efforts to consolidate its political base.
In a recent interview, Masari dismissed suggestions that the APC was unsettled by the emerging opposition coalition involving major opposition figures. He said the ruling party remained organised and focused on presenting the achievements of the Tinubu administration to voters. (The Guardian)
He also addressed concerns about the President’s standing in northern Nigeria, arguing that the region remains central to the administration’s development agenda.
According to Masari, the government’s approach includes investments in agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, security, education and other sectors considered important to northern communities. (The Guardian)
His public interventions have consequently made him one of the administration’s prominent voices on political matters, especially those involving the North and the 2027 elections.
The Abu Ibrahim Connection
Masari’s emergence also comes against the background of an earlier generation of political relationships surrounding Tinubu.
According to sources cited by Weekend Trust, much of the political influence in the President’s northern network was previously associated with Senator Abu Ibrahim, another prominent Katsina politician.
Tinubu and Abu Ibrahim reportedly became acquainted when both served as senators in 1992, and their relationship has continued over the years. (Katsina Times)
The comparison highlights the evolution of Tinubu’s political network in the North, with Masari now playing a more visible role in political coordination and engagement.
Masari’s Political Profile
Masari’s political career has been largely connected to party organisation and grassroots mobilisation.
His tenure as APC National Welfare Secretary gave him experience in party administration and internal political mobilisation before he moved into the presidency.
His current position also puts him alongside other presidential aides involved in political affairs. The State House said he would work alongside Alhaji Yau Darazo, who was appointed by Tinubu in July 2023. (State House Abuja)
Masari’s proximity to the President has also allowed him to speak publicly on issues concerning Tinubu’s political strategy and the administration’s prospects ahead of the next general election.
For the ruling party, his northern connections could be particularly relevant as it seeks to maintain support across the region while defending the Tinubu administration’s record.
For Masari himself, the transition from a temporary placeholder on the 2023 presidential ticket to a senior political adviser at the presidency represents a notable expansion of his role in national politics.
With the 2027 elections approaching, his position places him at the intersection of presidential politics, APC mobilisation and the administration’s engagement with northern political stakeholders.
