Life Presidency Claim Is Baseless and Absurd: Onanuga Fires Back at El-Rufai

Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, has strongly dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent claim that the president is planning to stay in office beyond his constitutional term, calling the allegation “baseless,” “absurd,” and “politically motivated.”

El-Rufai, known for his outspoken views, had suggested in a public interview that President Tinubu might be laying the groundwork for a “life presidency,” a term implying a leader who refuses to leave office after their term ends, often associated with authoritarian regimes.

Onanuga, speaking to reporters in Abuja on Thursday, did not mince words.

“There is zero truth to this ridiculous claim,” Onanuga said. “President Tinubu is a democrat. He believes in the rule of law, the constitution, and the will of the Nigerian people. Anyone suggesting otherwise is either misinformed or trying to create unnecessary drama.”

He added: “The president has never hinted at, planned for, or even joked about staying in office beyond 2027. That kind of talk does not reflect reality it reflects the fevered imagination of those looking for headlines.”

Onanuga, a veteran journalist and respected media figure, urged Nigerians to be wary of “wild theories” being floated without evidence.

“Governor El-Rufai is entitled to his opinions,” Onanuga said. “But when those opinions become dangerous fabrications that could mislead the public or incite unrest, it’s our duty to correct the record.”

He emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration remains focused on delivering on its campaign promises, fixing the economy, securing the country, and strengthening democratic institutions, not rewriting the constitution to extend power.

“Nigeria is not a monarchy,” Onanuga added. “We fought too hard for democracy to let anyone turn it into a lifetime job.”

El-Rufai has not yet responded publicly to Onanuga’s rebuttal.

Political analysts say the exchange reflects growing tensions within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape with different factions jockeying for influence and positioning.

But for now, the presidency’s message is clear: no life presidency. No secret plan. Just governance within the bounds of the law.