Tinubu Deserves a Second Term in Office Like Buhari, Says Presidential Aide

The Nigerian Presidency has firmly expressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be granted the same opportunity to serve a second term in office—just as former President Muhammadu Buhari did. This assertion came from the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, during a recent interview with Trust Radio on Wednesday.

Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu, being a Nigerian leader, should not be denied the constitutional right to run for a second term solely based on regional politics. He reminded Nigerians, particularly politicians from the Northern region, that the South had patiently waited through Buhari’s complete eight-year tenure, and should now be allowed to enjoy its full term without unnecessary political interference.

He addressed the recent statements from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) alleging marginalization of the North by the current administration. Onanuga dismissed these claims, categorizing them as an insidious attempt to tarnish the image of the Tinubu government. According to him, such sentiments are not only unfounded but are also targeted efforts to exploit Tinubu’s Southern roots in order to discredit his leadership.

“President Tinubu is a Nigerian through and through. He is entitled to enjoy the same tenure as his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. We should not let personal or regional ambitions override the broader national interest,” Onanuga stated.

Regarding the accusations that Tinubu has unduly favored the Southwest region in federal appointments, Onanuga firmly challenged critics to produce concrete, data-backed evidence rather than make baseless and sweeping generalizations. He insisted that claims lacking verified statistics were merely tools of political mischief meant to stir up division and fuel discontent.

Onanuga also responded to allegations that the North has been neglected in terms of infrastructural development. He clarified that the administration inherited numerous incomplete or abandoned projects from past governments, many of which are located across various regions—not just in the North.

To counter claims of regional bias in security appointments, Onanuga highlighted that key security positions have been given to Northern leaders, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance. He listed appointments such as the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and both Ministers of Defence, all of whom are from the North, as proof of this balance.

Moreover, Onanuga noted that the overall security landscape in Nigeria has seen significant improvement under the Tinubu administration. He cited areas like Birnin Gwari and Igabi in Kaduna State, which were once considered highly unsafe but are now relatively secure. Sharing his personal experience, he mentioned a peaceful journey from Kaduna to Abuja, a route that was previously deemed too dangerous to travel without fear.

“These complaints are mostly politically motivated. If you look across Nigeria, bad roads are not limited to the North; they are a nationwide issue. Let’s look at the facts. Northern leaders hold key national security posts. Today, there is more safety in places like Birnin Gwari than there was a year ago. I personally drove from Kaduna to Abuja without any security threats,” Onanuga added.