The presidency has dismissed as “baseless and absurd” claims by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking to remain in power beyond constitutional limits.
Speaking at the weekend, El-Rufai accused President Tinubu of “centralising power” and warned that such a system could open the way for what he called a “prolonged presidency”. He likened the situation to that of Cameroon’s long-serving leader Paul Biya, suggesting Tinubu could attempt to become “president for life” if not voted out in 2027.
“All the claims we are fighting for, true federalism is all fake,” El-Rufai said, describing Tinubu as a “fake democrat” and “pretender”.
But in a statement on Monday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga rejected the comments. He said there was no basis for suggesting the president intended to extend his tenure, describing the remarks as “absurd speculation”.
“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.
"President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027," Onanuga said.
He added that El-Rufai’s comments reflected frustration over political manoeuvres ahead of the next general elections in 2027.
