Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would seek a third term in office if given the opportunity, despite Nigeria’s constitutional two-term limit.
In an interview with Symfoni TV, monitored by The News Chronicle, Lawal argued that the current political climate and the country’s electoral system could embolden the President to pursue an unconstitutional extension of his stay in office.
“Bola Tinubu will go for a third term if God gives him the long life to do it. What will stop him?” Lawal said.
He further questioned the ability of Nigeria’s institutions to prevent such a move, adding:
“Blind Nigerians? Or a blind National Assembly? Or a blind judiciary? What will stop him?”
Lawal also cast doubt on the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, insisting that elections are no longer genuinely decided by voters.
“There are no elections in Nigeria. The election starts from the party primary and ends with INEC announcing the results. The votes of Nigerians hardly count.”
The former SGF maintained that unless major reforms are introduced to strengthen democratic institutions and restore electoral integrity, incumbents could continue to wield enormous influence over election outcomes.
His comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum, with opposition figures intensifying criticism of the Tinubu administration. However, there is no indication that President Tinubu has expressed any intention to seek a third term, which is prohibited under Nigeria’s Constitution.
