Presidency slams El-Rufai, says Tinubu won’t stay in office beyond 2031

The Presidency has lashed out at former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent remarks on the presidency.

El-Rufai had, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, warned that Tinubu could attempt to cling to power like Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya if Nigerians fail to unite against him in the 2027 elections.

Biya, 92, has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and recently announced his intention to seek re-election in October.

Responding via a statement on Sunday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described El-Rufai’s claims as “absurd and unfounded.”

Onanuga said El-Rufai’s speculation was “baseless” and a sign of “hallucinations and political fabrications.”

El-Rufai warns Atiku: Tinubu may rule for life if opposition fails to unite 

He added that the former governor appeared surprised by the warm reception Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, which he said demonstrated the president’s continued support in the North – contrary to claims that the region had abandoned him.

Onanuga said: “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.”

The Star