2023: Buhari drops major update on rumoured third term bid

Since President Muhammadu Buhari won a second democratic mandate in 2019, there have been multiple reports and claims insinuating that the Nigerian leader intended to stay in power for another term.

Buhari has repeatedly denied the claims as baseless as reiterated his intention to abide by the constitution and exit Aso Rock once he has completed his second term.

But this did not lay the rumours of a “third term agenda” to rest, forcing then chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to blame the viral claim on the president’s political rivals.

“I am surprised to see that there are people who begin to wonder why should the president reassure Nigerians that he is not going to do a third term in office…third term was planted by PDP,” the former party chair said in January 2020.

One month before that time, the presidency issued a statement accusing human rights lawyer Femi Falana of fuelling the “baseless” rumours.

“All and every claim that is made that suggest President Muhammadu Buhari will stand for a third term in office is false,” presidency spokesperson Garba Shehu insisted.

“The popularly acclaimed human rights lawyer and formerly unsuccessful opposition candidate for governor of Ekiti state, Femi Falana, has boarded the free-publicity train, full of those seeking personal media attention in claiming the president is planning a third term in office.”

In November 2019, Buba Galadima, a former ally of the president, said that Nigerians should not be surprised to see Buhari pull off a third term bid.

“Buhari has already pocketed the judiciary, and he feels that nothing will happen and that he will be victorious at the court. His government has destroyed the judiciary and this is very troubling for democracy, and our nation,” Galadima alleged.

“A lot of politicians will be disappointed. Only God knows what will happen between now and 2023. Buhari may even be drafted to join the 2023 fray by some of his aides and associates.

“Buhari may be drafted by those enjoying under his government. Buhari has always been drafted to contest elections, and I won’t be surprised if his supporters draft him into the 2023 race,” he said.

There were even reported moves by some northern lawmakers to push for a constitutional amendment that would allow Buhari to stay in office beyond 2023.

Buhari has now, himself, rubbished the rumour by stating his desire to return to farming in Katsina’s Daura in 2023.

“I look forward to the year 2023, when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm,” the Nigerian leader said while marking his 79th birthday during an official trip to Turkey on Friday.

“Between now and that time, I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people and carry out my duties as prescribed by the constitution.”

The presidency will hope that the president’s declaration would be enough for those who adamantly claims he intends to stay in power beyond 2023.