NIGERIA: Onanuga Rebukes El-Rufai Over ‘Life Presidency’ Claim Against Tinubu

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed as “baseless and absurd” recent claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbours intentions of becoming a “life president.”

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, Onanuga criticised El-Rufai for what he described as “hallucinations and political fabrications,” insisting that Tinubu remains committed to Nigeria’s democratic principles.

“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when he will complete his second term after re-election in 2027,” Onanuga wrote.

According to him, El-Rufai’s recent outbursts were triggered by the “grand reception” Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, which, he argued, exposed the futility of attempts by El-Rufai’s new political associates to frustrate the President’s re-election bid.

Onanuga maintained that the massive show of support for Tinubu in the North contradicted El-Rufai’s narrative that the region had abandoned the President.

He further advised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to “reach out to his predecessor,” suggesting that El-Rufai might require professional counselling to overcome what he called his “recent unfounded claims and speculations.”

The remarks come amid rising tensions between El-Rufai and the Tinubu administration, with political observers noting a growing rift ahead of the 2027 general elections.