THE Presidency has issued a stinging response to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his remarks alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbors plans to become “president for life.”
News Point Nigeria reports that El-Rufai made the comments on Friday while hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who paid him a solidarity visit following an incident in Kaduna where the ex-governor was reportedly attacked by supporters believed to be loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during the visit, El-Rufai warned that Nigeria faced a “dangerous moment” if President Tinubu was not voted out in 2027.
“This government is trying to centralize everything instead of devolving powers to the lower levels. The sum total is that we are facing an evil of a large proportion in the history of this country.
“If we don’t come together to end this Tinubu administration in 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya, he would be president for life. All the signs are there. This is how Paul Biya started,” El-Rufai said, referencing Cameroon’s long-serving president.
Reacting sharply, Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga took to social media on Monday to dismiss the former governor’s comments as “baseless” and “absurd.”
“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,” Onanuga wrote.
He accused El-Rufai of spreading “hallucinations and political fabrications” designed to discredit the President and undermine his northern support base.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
According to him, El-Rufai’s comments were a direct reaction to the massive show of support Tinubu received during his recent visit to Kaduna.
“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, contrary to his narrative that the region has abandoned him.”
In a pointed remark, Onanuga urged current Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to intervene, saying El-Rufai might “benefit from some professional counselling.”
“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,” Onanuga said.
He further emphasized that President Tinubu remains committed to democratic principles and has no intention of remaining in office beyond May 28, 2031, the end of a potential second term.