The presidency’s statement that President Bola Tinubu has no intention of remaining in office beyond 2031 has been heavily criticised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to the opposition party, Tinubu’s term ends in 2027, and the comments were “presumptuous and undemocratic.”
The presidency’s comments dismissing former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai’s fears that Tinubu would want to hold onto power like Paul Biya of Cameroon prompted the ADC to take action.
Recall that former governor of Kaduna had stated that in order to prevent Tinubu from pursuing a life president in 2027, Nigerians needed to unite and come together.
El-Rufai cited the case of Cameroon stating how Biya 92, has ruled Cameroon 1982 and has declared interest in re-election, extending his 43 years in power.
However, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to Tinubu, in response said el-Rufai was wide of the mark in his remarks about the presidency.
“Instead, he (el-Rufai) 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,” Onanuga wrote.
“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027.”
“That the president is already speaking of remaining in office till 2031 betrays a mindset that dismisses re-election as a mere formality,” the statement reads.
“Re-election is not automatic, and President Tinubu has not earned a second term. If anything, in two short years, he has shown Nigeria what he is capable of doing.
“He has divided the country like no other president before him and sent millions deeper into poverty.”
Abdullahi added that insecurity under Tinubu has become “a national trauma”, noting that bandits and terrorists operate with impunity.
In addition, he charged that the government was violating human rights, disobeying court rulings, intimidating journalists, and violently attacking demonstrators.
According to the ADC chieftain, the power industry is still “comatose despite billions spent,” and Tinubu’s fiscal management is rife with secrecy, budget padding, and “inexplicable loans.”
Abdullahi also cautioned that Tinubu’s political approach in Lagos, where he is said to have personally chosen top officials and governors since 2007, is now being imitated across the country.
