Life Presidency Claim Baseless and Absurd – Onanuga Responds to El-Rufai

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that Tinubu plans to become a “president for life.”

El-Rufai made the statement at his residence during a visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He alleged that Tinubu has been centralizing power and showing signs of wanting to stay in office permanently comparing him to Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982.

El-Rufai called on the opposition to unite and stop Tinubu from securing a second term in 2027, claiming it could lead to a lifetime presidency.

Reacting on Sunday via a Facebook post, Onanuga described El-Rufai’s remarks as “baseless and absurd.”

He said El-Rufai has been making false claims about Tinubu ever since realizing that attempts by his new political allies to block Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027 are failing.

“Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need help, especially with his recent unfounded claims about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Onanuga said.

“It’s clear El-Rufai now sees that the opposition’s plan to stop Tinubu in 2027 is unrealistic. After seeing the massive support President Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, he was likely shocked by how strong Tinubu’s backing remains in the North—contrary to his narrative that the region has turned against the President.”

Onanuga added that El-Rufai has since resorted to spreading rumors, including the “life presidency” claim, which he called completely false.

“President Tinubu is a democrat. He has no intention of staying in power beyond May 28, 2031, when he completes his second term—if re-elected in 2027,” he said.

He also suggested that Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani should reach out to his predecessor.

“El-Rufai may benefit from professional counselling to help him move away from these recent political fabrications and baseless statements,” Onanuga concluded.
Source: The Sun