Presidency responds to El-Rufai’s controversial comments
The Nigerian Presidency has strongly dismissed allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is attempting to entrench himself in power beyond constitutional limits.
The Presidency described the claims as “baseless,” affirming that President Tinubu remains committed to democratic values and has no intention of extending his tenure beyond 2031—should he be re-elected in 2027.
El-Rufai, speaking at a recent event over the weekend, made headlines after accusing President Tinubu of attempting to centralise political power, likening his alleged ambitions to those of Cameroon’s long-standing leader, Paul Biya. The former governor called on opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to mobilise against what he described as a creeping authoritarian regime.
El-Rufai’s statement sparks controversy
In his remarks, El-Rufai issued a rallying cry to political leaders and citizens alike, urging collective action against what he framed as an emerging dictatorship. “If we don’t come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya, to be president for life. All the signs are there, this is how Paul Biya started,” El-Rufai stated.
His comments have since drawn widespread attention and sharp reactions, particularly from the Presidency, which has moved swiftly to counter the claims and set the record straight.
Tinubu committed to democratic norms — Onanuga
In response, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Sunday condemning El-Rufai’s remarks as speculative and misleading. Onanuga described the former governor’s comments as “unfounded claims” designed to stir political unrest and discredit the current administration.
“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,” Onanuga said. “This plot is proving to be unattainable, a mission doomed to fail.”
He further noted that President Tinubu’s popularity—particularly in the Northern region—remains strong, citing a warm reception during his recent visit to Kaduna State as evidence. Onanuga argued that El-Rufai’s comments contradict the reality on the ground, suggesting that the former governor is out of touch with current political sentiment.
Presidency labels claims of tenure extension as “absurd”
The most striking accusation made by El-Rufai—that Tinubu harbours ambitions to remain in power indefinitely—was described by the Presidency as both “baseless” and “absurd.” Onanuga reiterated that President Tinubu is a committed democrat with no intention of violating Nigeria’s constitutional term limits.
“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027,” he stressed.
Call for introspection and political maturity
In a pointed remark, Onanuga suggested that Governor Uba Sani, El-Rufai’s successor in Kaduna State, may need to initiate a dialogue with the former governor, hinting that El-Rufai’s recent public statements may be driven by personal or political frustrations.
“El-Rufai could benefit from some professional counselling to steer him away from his recent hallucinations and political fabrications on Tinubu and 2027,” Onanuga added.
Political tensions rising ahead of 2027 elections
The exchange between El-Rufai and the Presidency underscores the growing political tension as Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections. As political figures realign and strategize, accusations, counter-accusations, and heated rhetoric are becoming increasingly common.
While it is normal for opposition voices to scrutinize those in power, the Presidency maintains that such criticism must be rooted in truth and national interest—not speculation or political vendettas.
Observers believe that this may be an early signal of a deeply contested political season, with more controversies likely to unfold in the coming months.
