Yemi Obafemi
The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to remain in power beyond his constitutional tenure, describing the allegation as “baseless and absurd.”
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, said President Tinubu is a democrat who has no intention of staying in office beyond May 28, 2031, when his second term, if re-elected in 2027, will constitutionally end.
The former Kaduna governor, while receiving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during a solidarity visit over the weekend, had accused the Tinubu administration of centralizing power and betraying the democratic ideals it once championed.
He warned that if unchecked, the President could emulate Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya.
Reacting, Onanuga said El-Rufai’s comments were “political fabrications” born out of frustration, adding that the rousing reception Tinubu received during his recent visit to Kaduna proved his continued support in the North.
The statement read: “Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his recent unfounded claims and speculations about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is increasingly evident that El-Rufai has recognised the futility of attempts by his associates in his new party to prevent President Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027. This plot is proving to be unattainable, a mission doomed to fail.
“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.
“In response, he resorted to spreading further unfounded stories, including the claim that President Tinubu intends to become a “life president” after 2027—a speculation that is baseless and absurd.
“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027.
“Governor Uba Sani may wish to reach out to his predecessor, as El-Rufai could benefit from some professional counselling to steer him away from his recent hallucinations and political fabrications on Tinubu and 2027.”
