The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking to remain in power beyond 2031, calling such allegations “baseless and absurd.”
In a statement released on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, reaffirmed the president’s commitment to democratic principles and constitutional term limits, emphasizing that Tinubu has no intention of staying in office beyond May 29, 2031, if re-elected in the 2027 presidential election.
The response follows sharp criticism from former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who, during a solidarity visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accused the Tinubu administration of drifting toward authoritarianism. El-Rufai controversially likened President Tinubu to Cameroon’s long-time ruler, Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.
El-Rufai Slams Tinubu, Cites Centralization of Power
El-Rufai accused the current administration of undermining Nigeria’s federal structure by centralizing power, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“This government is trying to centralize everything instead of devolving power to the lower levels,” El-Rufai stated.
“If we don’t come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. All the signs are there.”
Presidency Fires Back: “El-Rufai’s Claims Are Politically Motivated”
Onanuga dismissed El-Rufai’s comments as politically motivated, linking them to what he described as a “doomed plot” by the former governor and his associates in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
“El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his recent unfounded claims and speculations,” the presidential adviser said.
“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.”
Onanuga further noted that President Tinubu continues to enjoy broad support across the country, including the North—contrary to El-Rufai’s assertions.
“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,” he added.
“Tinubu Is a Democrat” — Presidency Reaffirms 2031 Exit Plan
The statement reiterated President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, stating clearly that he intends to leave office after completing a second term, should he be re-elected in 2027.
“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031. Any claims to the contrary are fiction,” Onanuga stressed.
The Presidency concluded by advising Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State to intervene and provide “professional counselling” for his predecessor, suggesting El-Rufai may be politically disoriented.
