Presidency Speaks on Buhari’s ‘Third Term’ Plans

The presidency has reacted to calls by some support groups urging president Muhammadu Buhari to stay beyond his constitutionally stipulated two-terms in office.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president, Garba Shehu, the presidency said Buhari has no plans to run for another term in office at the expiration of his tenure in 2023.

See statement

“The Presidency wishes to correct internet-based gossip and un-informed media commentary regarding presidential term limits, given credence by so-called support groups, staging street demonstrations asking President Muhammadu Buhari to do a third term.

“There are no circumstances – nor set of circumstances – under which President Buhari may seek to amend the Constitution regarding the two-term term limit on holding office as President.

“President Buhari intends to serve his full second elected term in office, ending 2023 – and then there shall be a general election in which he will not be a candidate.

“There is not even the faintest possibility that this will change.

“It is important to note that there was a past attempt to change the Constitution to allow for the-then incumbent president to stand for a third term. That attempt was wrong, unconstitutional – and rightly rebuffed. No such attempt will happen under this President.

“President Buhari is a democrat. He respects the Constitution. Any activity aimed at altering the two-term limit will not succeed and shall never have his time nor support.”