Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not nursing any scheme to remain in power beyond a second term ending in 2031, The Presidency has said.
The Presidency spoke in response to recent statements by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that Tinubu planned to become a “life President,” beyond the 2027 elections.
However, a statement late Sunday, by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed such speculations.
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.”
