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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Presidency has vehemently rejected former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s assertion that President Bola Tinubu intends to become a life president after his term, labelling the claim as unfounded and ridiculous.
In a statement on his official X account @aonanuga1955, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the allegation as mere panic-driven propaganda. He reaffirmed that President Tinubu is a committed democrat who respects the constitutional two-term limit.
“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027,” Onanuga wrote, emphasising that el-Rufai’s alarmist comments were baseless and stemmed from a political delusion.
The presidential spokesman also suggested that el-Rufai’s remarks were prompted by frustration over the widespread support Tinubu continues to enjoy in the northern region, especially after the President’s well-attended visit to Kaduna recently.
“After reports of the grand reception President Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, el-Rufai was clearly surprised by the depth of support the President continues to enjoy in the North. This stands in stark contrast to his narrative that the region has abandoned the President,” Onanuga stated.
He further accused the former governor of using the “life presidency” allegation as a distraction from the failure of his efforts and those of his new political allies to obstruct Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
Onanuga urged Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani to engage with el-Rufai, suggesting that he might benefit from professional counselling to overcome what he described as “recent hallucinations and political fabrications” concerning Tinubu and the 2027 election.
The Presidency reiterated its firm commitment to democratic principles, assuring Nigerians that President Tinubu would step down upon completion of his lawful term.
