The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has hit back at former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai over his comments on the President’s re-election chances in 2027. Onanuga described el-Rufai as a “power-hungry politician” who feels politically displaced, accusing him of leading a campaign to remove the President.

El-Rufai had stated in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics programme that Tinubu would not win the 2027 presidential election, predicting that he would at best come third and not make it to a potential runoff. The former governor attributed his assessment to his analysis and “maths,” claiming that Tinubu’s chances of winning were slim.

However, Onanuga countered that el-Rufai’s comments were motivated by his own political frustrations. He pointed out the irony in el-Rufai’s position, noting that the former governor had previously acknowledged that four years was not enough for any leader to deliver meaningful changes.

The exchange has sparked a heated debate about Tinubu’s leadership and his prospects for re-election in 2027. While el-Rufai’s comments have raised questions about the President’s popularity and chances, Onanuga’s response has highlighted the complexities of Nigerian politics and the challenges of navigating the country’s volatile political landscape.