Igbokwe's Lifetime Presidency Statements Not Tinubu’s Position – Onoh

The Former South-East Spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman, Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge. Josef Onoh, has disagreed with Chief Joe Igbokwe's assertion that the President may be working towards achieving a lifetime Presidency.

Igbokwe, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain had in a publication alleged that with the country almost turning into a one party state, it may not be difficult for President Tinubu to perpetuate himself in power beyond two constitutional terms if he is elected for a second term, next year.

But Onoh in a statement he released to newsmen in Abuja, on Tuesday, said that he observed with grave concern the statements attributed to his fellow APC chieftain, Igbokwe, stating that the statemente were Igbokwe's personal opinion. 

"First, his assertion that with or without the Igbo, Tinubu will win the 2027 presidential election and now his suggestion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could, if re-elected, pursue a constitutional amendment to secure an additional term beyond the constitutionally stipulated two terms. These do not reflect the views or opinions of the presidency, but the Igbokwe's personal views," Onoh said.

He described the comments are not only reckless but represent the most dangerous political dimensions capable of undermining the current administration and the unity of Nigeria.

Onoh said that Joe Igbokwe’s rhetoric carries several profoundly destabilizing implications because It normalizes ethnic exclusion and deepens alienation by declaring that an entire major ethnic group can be sidelined in a national election sends a clear message of dispensable. 

"This is not mere political chest-beating; it is a direct assault on the federal character principle and the spirit of inclusive democracy. In a country with our history of ethnic tensions, such language risks consolidating resentment, fueling separatist sentiments, and turning the South-East into a permanent opposition stronghold. It discourages participation and breeds the very voter apathy and radicalization that threaten national cohesion."

Onoh said that Igbokwe’s statement plants seeds of constitutional subversion and tenure elongation fears by Suggesting that APC’s numerical strength could be leveraged to amend the constitution for an additional term beyond 2027, evokes painful memories of past attempts at self-perpetuation in power. 

"This fuels widespread suspicion that democratic rules may be bent or broken, eroding public trust in the electoral process and the independence of our institutions. In a fragile democracy like ours, whispers of 'third term' or 'elongation' have historically triggered massive resistance, litigation, and even instability.

"It threatens national unity by reducing Nigeria to a game of numbers without equity. By framing politics purely around “political realities and numbers” while dismissing emotions, grievances, and the need for broad consensus, Igbokwe’s comments promote a winner-takes-all mentality. This is capable of fracturing the fragile bonds that hold our multi-ethnic federation together, encouraging retaliatory ethnic mobilization in other zones and weakening the sense of shared destiny," he warned.

Onoh stressed that such statement hands opposition forces potent campaign weapons as it makes it easier for opposition parties and candidates to rally support around themes of marginalization, constitutional abuse, and the defense of democracy. 

"In an environment already strained by economic challenges, they risk polarizing the polity further and undermining the legitimacy of any future electoral victory. The exclusionary politics of the First Republic contributed to coups and the civil war. The annulment of the June 12, 1993 election sparked years of pro-democracy crises. Perceived breaches of zoning and power-rotation arrangements have repeatedly led to post-election violence and deepened regional distrust. Igbokwe’s comments risk repeating these tragic patterns by prioritizing short-term bravado over long-term national stability."

In conclusion, Onoh said that the path to 2027 and beyond must be paved with genuine inclusivity, respect for constitutional limits, equitable development across all zones, and sincere efforts to address legitimate concerns. President Tinubu is focused on deepening democracy, not undermine it.

"The President met a united Nigeria, is ruling a united Nigeria and will leave a united Nigeria come 2031 by the will of God and the people. Hence, Joe Igbokwe’s statement is his personal opinion and in no way reflects the position or views of the presidency."