Politics

Presidency Rejects El-Rufai’s Claim Tinubu Plans to Become Life President

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedSeptember 22, 2025

The Presidency has dismissed as baseless and absurd claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that President Bola Tinubu is nursing plans to become a life president after his tenure.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, said the allegation amounted to panic propaganda, stressing that Tinubu remains an avowed democrat with no intention of staying in power beyond the constitutional limit.

“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027,” Onanuga wrote, describing El-Rufai’s statement as unfounded and a product of political hallucination.

He said the former governor’s outburst reflected frustration over the strong reception Tinubu received during his recent visit to Kaduna, contrary to claims that the North had abandoned the President.

“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. This stands in stark contrast to his narrative that the region has abandoned the President,” Onanuga noted.

He added that El-Rufai’s claims of a “life presidency” plot were nothing more than a desperate attempt to distract from the futility of efforts by the former governor and his new political associates to derail Tinubu’s anticipated re-election in 2027.

Onanuga further suggested that Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, should intervene with his predecessor.

“Governor Uba Sani may wish to reach out to his predecessor, as El-Rufai could benefit from some professional counselling to steer him away from his recent hallucinations and political fabrications on Tinubu and 2027,” he noted.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu is committed to democratic principles and to leaving office at the end of his constitutional mandate.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.