Opposition party rejects Presidency’s claim on tenure extension
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong rebuttal to the recent statements from the Nigerian Presidency suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no intention of staying in office beyond 2031. The opposition party described the remark as “presumptuous” and “undemocratic,” arguing that the President’s mandate ends in 2027, not 2031.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized what he referred to as early political maneuvering by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it disrespects the democratic process and the will of the Nigerian people.
ADC insists Tinubu’s term ends in 2027
The ADC emphasized that President Tinubu’s tenure, as granted by the 2023 general elections, runs until 2027 — and that any discussion about a second term should be left to the discretion of Nigerian voters, not political insiders.
“President Tinubu should prepare to hand over to a more competent Nigerian in 2027,” the party stated. “The suggestion that his tenure could extend to 2031 is not only premature but dangerously presumptive.”
According to Abdullahi, Nigerians are unlikely to consider extending the current administration’s time in office by “even a single day,” given the worsening socio-economic conditions under its leadership.
Opposition slams handling of economy and national security
In its statement, the ADC did not hold back in its criticism of the Tinubu administration’s handling of key national issues, especially security and the economy. The party expressed deep concern over the rising levels of poverty, inflation, and insecurity, saying that the government appears overwhelmed by the scale of the challenges.
“Under his watch, national security has degenerated into a cruel joke. Terrorists, bandits, and criminals now operate with total impunity,” the party said.
It further described how rural communities across the country have become war zones, with frequent reports of abductions, armed attacks, and displacement. According to the ADC, the government has demonstrated neither the political will nor the capacity to curb the worsening insecurity.
Economic crisis and naira collapse highlighted
The ADC also expressed alarm over Nigeria’s deepening economic woes, blaming what it termed as “policy inconsistencies” and “punitive taxation” for the decline of small businesses and the rising cost of living.
“The naira has collapsed. Inflation is out of control. Food prices have tripled in many parts of the country. Jobs are vanishing. The middle class is disappearing,” the statement read.
The party argued that more Nigerians are now living in poverty than at any other time in recent history and that the economic situation has become unbearable for millions.
“Businesses that once thrived are collapsing. Nigerians are now poorer, hungrier, and angrier than they were before President Tinubu took office,” Abdullahi added.
Presidency maintains there is no plan for tenure elongation
The ADC’s statement comes in response to recent clarifications by presidential spokespersons, who denied rumors of an alleged plan by President Tinubu to remain in power beyond two terms. According to the Presidency, the President is committed to the rule of law and constitutional limits.
However, the ADC dismissed the clarification, saying it lacks credibility when weighed against the administration’s current political tone and actions.
Conclusion
As political discourse heats up just over a year into President Tinubu’s tenure, the ADC’s remarks reflect growing tensions between the ruling APC and opposition parties. While the Presidency has attempted to calm fears of a tenure extension, critics argue that performance — not political ambition — should take center stage. With 2027 still a few years away, Nigerians will be closely watching the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises and address the nation’s deep-rooted challenges.
