The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s comment suggesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is plotting a “life presidency.”

In a statement on Monday by the Lagos APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the party dismissed the claim as mischievous and reckless, emphasising President Tinubu’s lifelong commitment to democracy.

Oladejo noted President Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, notably his involvement with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), emphasising his stance against military dictatorship and risking personal freedom for the cause.

He described El-Rufai’s suggestions as laughable and shameful, given Tinubu’s consistent defense of constitutionalism and opposition to tenure elongation by past leaders.

According to the APC, President Tinubu’s fidelity to Nigeria’s constitution is proven and unquestionable, with the party stressing that Nigeria’s democracy is robust with term limits and checks and balances, rendering the notion of a “life presidency” an unfounded conspiracy theory.

The party accused El-Rufai of insulting both the President and Nigerian people through spreading such allegations, portraying El-Rufai as prone to political double-speak driven by personal interests.

The Lagos APC reminded Nigerians of El-Rufai’s own record in Kaduna, suggesting he manipulated laws and institutions for personal power consolidation, labelling accusations against Tinubu as hypocritical given El-Rufai’s background.

Oladejo further contrasted Tinubu’s democratic credentials with El-Rufai’s perceived lack thereof, pointing out Tinubu’s focus on serving Nigeria through economic restructuring, security strengthening, and institution building.

He said, “President Tinubu is a lifelong democrat. His political journey is rooted in the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, when he stood shoulder to shoulder with other patriots in NADECO, risking his freedom and safety to end military dictatorship. To now suggest that the same man who resisted tyranny is scheming to perpetuate himself in office is both laughable and shameful.
“Tinubu has consistently defended constitutionalism. At no time in his long public service record has he ever supported tenure elongation. On the contrary, he openly opposed attempts by past leaders to extend their stay beyond constitutional limits. His fidelity to the Constitution is tested, proven, and unquestionable.
“Nigeria’s democracy is stronger than any individual’s ambition. The constitution provides for term limits, checks and balances, making the idea of “life presidency” nothing but an idle conspiracy theory. By spreading such lies, El-Rufai insults not only the President but also the Nigerian people, who are the ultimate custodians of democracy.
“This is another case of political mischief by El-Rufai. Nigerians have come to know him as a man of double-speak, who says one thing today and the exact opposite tomorrow, depending on where his personal interest lies. It is unfortunate that someone who once hailed President Tinubu as a visionary leader has now chosen the path of petty blackmail.”