According to a report by The Cable News on Monday September 22, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed recent comments by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, regarding the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai had warned that the president might attempt to extend his stay in power in a manner similar to Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya.
His remarks drew widespread attention, especially as Biya, who has been in office since 1982, recently declared his intention to run for re-election despite being 92 years old.
Responding in a statement shared on X on Sunday, Onanuga described el-Rufai’s remarks as misplaced and speculative.
According to him, there is no basis for comparing President Tinubu with Biya or suggesting that the Nigerian leader intends to cling to power beyond his constitutional mandate.
He argued that such comments only create unnecessary tension in the political space and distract from the administration’s ongoing efforts to address pressing national challenges.
Onanuga further stated that el-Rufai appears to have shifted his political stance after joining a new party and is now attempting to rally opposition against President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He noted that some of el-Rufai’s associates have been working to build a coalition aimed at stopping the president from securing a second term.
However, Onanuga maintained that their efforts are faltering and that the so-called plot is proving to be unrealistic.
The presidential aide emphasised that Tinubu’s administration remains focused on delivering its promises to Nigerians, rather than being preoccupied with political distractions.
He insisted that the government is making progress in stabilising the economy, implementing reforms, and addressing key issues in infrastructure, security, and social welfare.
He added that speculations about 2027 do not reflect the realities of governance and should not overshadow the work being done.
El-Rufai’s statement comes at a time when Nigeria’s political scene is gradually building momentum toward the next general elections.
As one of the country’s influential political figures, his words often carry weight and generate debate.
However, the swift rebuttal from the presidency highlights the determination of Tinubu’s team to counter narratives that could portray the president in a negative light.
The exchange also underscores the growing tension among political actors as they position themselves ahead of 2027.
While Onanuga dismissed the warnings as baseless, the conversation sparked by el-Rufai reflects broader concerns about governance, democracy, and leadership succession in Nigeria.
Many citizens continue to pay close attention to how the current administration navigates the challenges facing the nation.
As the years draw closer to another election cycle, the dynamics between current officeholders and opposition voices are expected to intensify, shaping the political discourse in the lead-up to 2027.
He said el-Rufai seems to have realised the futility of the attempts by his associates in his new party to stop Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Onanuga said the “plot is proving to be unattainable” and is “a mission doomed to fail.Continue, Full, Reading>>>>
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