Presidency Dismisses El-Rufai Claim Tinubu Seeks Life Presidency
The Presidency has strongly rejected the claims made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu may attempt to hold on to power beyond constitutional limits. The response came after El-Rufai likened Tinubu to Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982 and recently declared his intention to contest again at 92.
El-Rufai, while receiving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Kaduna, alleged that Tinubu could aim to remain in office for life if Nigerians fail to unite against him during the 2027 elections. He warned that all signs were pointing towards an attempt by Tinubu to emulate long-serving African leaders who extended their rule.
The Presidency, however, swiftly dismissed the statement as baseless and politically motivated. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his X handle, described El-Rufai’s remarks as “unfounded speculations” and “political fabrications.” He insisted that Tinubu remains a democrat and has no intention of staying in office beyond what the constitution allows.
Onanuga argued that El-Rufai’s comments were influenced by the warm reception Tinubu received during his recent visit to Kaduna, which drew massive support from northern leaders and residents. He said this directly contradicted El-Rufai’s claim that the North had abandoned the President, adding that the former governor was unsettled by the show of loyalty.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu’s political future is guided by the will of the people and Nigeria’s constitution, not by speculation or fearmongering. Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu intends to complete his current term and, if re-elected in 2027, will hand over power in May 2031 as required by law.
The statement also suggested that El-Rufai and his political allies were struggling to come to terms with Tinubu’s growing acceptance nationwide, particularly in the North. Onanuga noted that attempts to undermine the President’s popularity ahead of the 2027 elections were “doomed to fail” because Tinubu continues to enjoy the trust of Nigerians.
Furthermore, Onanuga advised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to engage with El-Rufai, stressing that his predecessor could benefit from “professional counselling” to move away from what he described as misleading narratives about Tinubu’s leadership.
This development adds to Nigeria’s heated political atmosphere as the nation prepares for the 2027 elections. While critics continue to question Tinubu’s leadership style, the Presidency insists that democracy and constitutional order remain at the center of his administration.
