The Presidency has dismissed as “baseless and absurd” claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to cling to power beyond his constitutional limit.
In a statement on Monday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, stressing that if re-elected in 2027, his tenure will end on May 28, 2031.
El-Rufai, during a recent solidarity visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleged that the Tinubu administration was sliding into authoritarianism, likening the President to Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982.
He also accused the government of centralising power at the expense of federalism, warning that Tinubu could attempt to entrench himself in power beyond 2027.
“We are facing an evil of such proportion in this country. If we don’t come together and end this administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. All the signs are there,” El-Rufai declared.
But Onanuga, in a strongly worded rebuttal, described the former governor’s remarks as evidence of his frustration and political desperation.
“Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need some help, 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, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to prevent President Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027. This mission is doomed to fail.”
He added that El-Rufai’s comments were a reaction to the massive reception Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, which he said contradicted the narrative that the North had abandoned the President.
Onanuga further stated: “In his desperation, El-Rufai has resorted to spreading unfounded stories, including the ridiculous claim that President Tinubu intends to become a ‘life president.’ President Tinubu is a democrat.
He has no intention of staying in office beyond May 28, 2031, when his second term constitutionally ends.”
In a parting shot, the presidential aide suggested that Kaduna Governor Uba Sani may need to reach out to his predecessor, saying El-Rufai “could benefit from some professional counselling to steer him away from his recent hallucinations and political fabrications.”
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