The Presidency has openly rebuked former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent suggestion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harboured ambitions of becoming Nigeria’s “president for life.”
In a strongly worded statement, Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for the President, condemned El-Rufai’s claim as false and misleading. “Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his unfounded claims about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is increasingly evident that he has recognised the futility of attempts by his associates in his new party to prevent Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027,” he said.
Onanuga emphasised that Tinubu remains firmly committed to Nigeria’s democratic framework and constitutional order. He reassured citizens, stating: “President Tinubu does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when he is re-elected in 2027.”
The statement also debunked El-Rufai’s assertion that the North had abandoned the President, stressing that Tinubu’s recent warm reception in Kaduna served as proof of his continuing acceptance across the region.
Onanuga further urged Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to reach out to his predecessor, noting that El-Rufai’s persistent “hallucinations and political fabrications” were harmful to Nigeria’s political environment.