Presidency Slams El-Rufai’s ‘Life Presidency’ Claim as Baseless and Absurd
The Presidency has dismissed recent comments made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbors intentions of staying in power beyond his constitutional term.
In a statement released on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described El-Rufai’s allegations as “baseless and absurd,” asserting that they reflect the frustrations of a political agenda doomed to fail.
During a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the weekend, El-Rufai accused the Tinubu administration of drifting toward authoritarianism. He likened the President to Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. El-Rufai also criticized the centralization of power under Tinubu’s government, calling it a betrayal of long-standing democratic and federalist ideals.
“It’s honestly disgraceful,” El-Rufai said. “All the talk of democracy and federalism seems to have been nothing but a façade. This administration is consolidating power at the center instead of devolving it, and if we don’t come together and vote this government out in 2027, Tinubu will try to become our Paul Biya. The warning signs are already visible.”
Responding to these statements, Onanuga said El-Rufai’s claims were not only unfounded but also indicative of growing desperation within his political circle, particularly those aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in their efforts to unseat Tinubu.
“El-Rufai appears to require some professional help, especially in light of his latest series of baseless claims,” Onanuga stated. “It’s clear that he and his associates in the ADC are beginning to realise that their ambition to stop President Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027 is an exercise in futility.”
Onanuga further pointed out that El-Rufai’s remarks came shortly after President Tinubu received a rousing welcome during a recent visit to Kaduna, an event that seemed to undermine El-Rufai’s narrative of dwindling northern support for the President.
“In desperation, he has resorted to unfounded allegations—most notably, the claim that Tinubu intends to rule indefinitely. This is a wild and ridiculous assertion,” Onanuga added. “President Tinubu remains a committed democrat and has no intention of staying in office beyond May 28, 2031, after securing a second term in 2027.”
The statement concluded with a subtle jab, suggesting that Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani should consider reaching out to El-Rufai, as his recent behavior might indicate a need for “professional counselling to help him navigate away from hallucinations and political fantasies.
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