The Presidency has responded strongly to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that President Bola Tinubu may become president for life if not removed in 2027. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described El-Rufai’s submission as a “desperate act” and said the former governor needs help, alleging that he is hallucinating.

Onanuga dismissed El-Rufai’s speculation as unfounded and baseless, saying Tinubu is a committed democrat who has no intention of overstaying his mandate. He added that Nigerians, particularly Northerners, have expressed their love and support for Tinubu, contradicting El-Rufai’s narrative.

The presidential aide emphasized that Tinubu is bound by the constitution, which limits a president to two terms. He portrayed El-Rufai’s claim as another failed attempt to undermine Tinubu’s presidency.

The development highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Tinubu administration and some of its critics, with El-Rufai’s comments sparking a heated debate about the president’s intentions and the country’s democratic future.

“Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his recent unfounded claims and speculations about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 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. This plot is proving to be unattainable, a mission doomed to fail.

“After reports of the grand reception President Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, El-Rufai was clearly surprised by the depth of support the President continues to enjoy in the North. This stands in stark contrast to his narrative that the region has abandoned the President.

“In response, he resorted to spreading further unfounded stories, including the claim that President Tinubu intends to become a “life president” after 2027—a speculation that is baseless and absurd.

“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027.

“Governor Uba Sani may wish to reach out to his predecessor, as El-Rufai could benefit from some professional counselling to steer him away from his recent hallucinations and political fabrications on Tinubu and 2027,” he wrote.