Nigeria: Presidency insists Tinubu has no plans beyond 2031

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is plotting to hold onto power indefinitely. It clarified that Tinubu remains committed to democratic principles and will not seek to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, if he is re-elected in 2027.

The clarification came after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai suggested that Tinubu was working toward making himself a “president for life.” El-Rufai warned that unless the current administration is voted out in 2027, Nigeria could face a situation similar to that of leaders who have extended their rule for decades.

In response, the Presidency described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. It stressed that Tinubu’s popularity, particularly in the North, remains strong and contradicts claims of dwindling support.

The Presidency further noted that the idea of tenure elongation is unfounded, dismissing it as an attempt to stir unnecessary fear. According to the statement, Tinubu is focused on governance and will step down when his constitutional term ends.