The Presidency has come hard on former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent utterances suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the plans to remain in power beyond constitutional limits.
The claim was described by a statement placed on his X handle by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as unfounded, baseless, and desperate attempt by El-Rufai to bring bad name to the President.
Onanuga accused the former governor who recently aligned with a new political party of being rattled by the massive reception Tinubu received during his visit to Kaduna last Friday, which contradicted El-Rufai’s narrative that the North had abandoned the President.
“Former Governor El-Rufai should be reminded, especially at a time he has made unsubstantiated claims and rumour-mongering against President Tinubu,” wrote Onanuga. “It is increasingly obvious that he has admitted the futility of attempts by his men in his new party to prevent the President’s likely re-election in 2027. The mission is set to fail.”
The president’s spokesman reiterated that President Tinubu is equally a committed democrat who will not overstay his welcome after May 28, 2031, if he is re-elected in 2027. He also urged Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to speak to his predecessor, suggesting that El-Rufai requires “professional counselling” in order to change from what he called “political fabrications and wild speculations.”.
Onanuga also indicated that the high-energy Kaduna rally was proof that President Tinubu continues to enjoy strong support in the North, dispelling news of waning popularity.
