Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over comments suggesting that President Bola Tinubu intends to extend his stay in power beyond constitutional limits.
In a post on his X handle, Onanuga described El-Rufai’s claims as baseless and unfounded, accusing the former governor of attempting to discredit the President. He said El-Rufai had become unsettled by the massive reception Tinubu received in Kaduna, which contradicted his claim that the North had abandoned the President.
“Former Governor El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his recent unfounded claims and speculations about President Tinubu,” Onanuga wrote. “It is increasingly evident that he has recognised the futility of attempts by his associates in his new party to prevent the President’s likely re-election in 2027. This plot is proving to be unattainable, a mission doomed to fail.”
The presidential aide added that contrary to what he described as El-Rufai’s “hallucinations,” President Tinubu remains a democrat who will not stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, should he win a second term in 2027.
Onanuga also urged Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, to engage his predecessor, suggesting that El-Rufai may benefit from “professional counselling” to move away from what he called “political fabrications and absurd speculations.”
He maintained that the Kaduna rally was proof that Tinubu continues to enjoy strong support in the North, dismissing suggestions of waning popularity.