1. “Nigeria Is Not Cameroon” — UN Experts Dismiss El-Rufai’s Allegation
Excerpts:
“Nigeria’s constitutional framework is strong, and its democratic institutions are among the most resilient in Africa. Comparing it to Cameroon under Paul Biya is misleading.” — UN Democracy & Governance Unit.
The United Nations has reiterated Nigeria’s role as a stabilising force in West Africa, noting that any talk of tenure elongation is unfounded.
2. Tinubu: “I Seek a Legacy, Not Power Without End”
Excerpts:
“My vision is to build an economy that works, institutions that last, and a Nigeria that stands tall among nations. Power without legacy is vanity.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu’s statement underscores his reform-driven approach and aligns with his historic role in NADECO, where he fought against military dictatorship.
3. “Nigeria Is the Gold Standard for Democracy in Africa” — ECOWAS Chairperson
Excerpts:
“Nigeria has consistently upheld term limits and peaceful transfers of power. It remains the gold standard for democracy in our region.” — Current ECOWAS Chair.
ECOWAS officials stressed that Nigeria’s democratic structures make tenure elongation impossible without collapsing the entire regional order.
4. “This Is Political Blackmail, Not Fact” — Dr. Gloria Fraser MFR
Excerpts:
“El-Rufai’s remark is reckless. It is a desperate attempt to blackmail voters and damage Nigeria’s image abroad. Nigerians should ignore this narrative.” — Dr. Gloria Fraser MFR, National Patriots.
Fraser’s comment highlights the dangers of weaponising misinformation in a fragile political environment.
5. Obama Once Said: “Africa Doesn’t Need Strongmen, It Needs Strong Institutions”
Excerpts:
Former US President Barack Obama’s 2009 Ghana speech is relevant today:
“History offers a clear lesson: governments that respect the will of their people and build strong institutions are more successful and more stable.”
Nigeria exemplifies this, with its two-term presidential limit now deeply embedded in law and culture.
6. “Comparing Tinubu to Biya Is Ignorance of Federalism” — Nigerian Legal Scholars
Excerpts:
“Cameroon is a unitary state. Nigeria is a federal republic with 36 semi-autonomous states, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. The comparison is fundamentally flawed.” — Prof. Akin Oyebode, Constitutional Law Expert.
Legal experts emphasise the structural safeguards against any form of tenure elongation in Nigeria.
7. African Union: “Zero Tolerance for Unconstitutional Power Grabs”
Excerpts:
“The AU’s Charter on Democracy is clear: no leader in Africa will be allowed to extend tenure unconstitutionally without facing suspension and sanctions.” — African Union Commission.
The AU has sanctioned Mali, Guinea, and Niger for constitutional breaches. Nigeria, as a founding member, cannot afford to risk such penalties.
8. “El-Rufai Has Turned Politics Into Bitterness” — Civil Society Groups
Excerpts:
“This is not about democracy, it’s about personal vendetta. Nigerians should not allow bitterness to poison public discourse.” — Coalition of Civil Society Organisations.
Groups noted that El-Rufai’s remarks should be read as a campaign of calumny, not a credible reflection of Tinubu’s intentions.
The National Patriots ©
