Ex-media aide to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu has not expressed interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to verify any contrary claims.

Onochie said there is no evidence of Tinubu publicly declaring plans for a second term.

Posting on X, Onochie wrote: “Nigerians must know the truth. If there’s any evidence where @officialABAT has spoken about 2027, please I want to see it. Tinubu is not interested in running for a second term.”

The former presidential aide claimed that some individuals aligned with the current administration are pressuring political figures, including governors and opposition leaders, to either join their ranks or step back from political activities ahead of the 2027 polls.

“His criminal goons, fearful of being out of relevance, go about harassing current/past governors, and opposition leaders to either join their unholy alliance or suspend political participation till after 2027 elections,” the statement added.

She alleged that those involved are acting out of fear of electoral defeat.

“These same people who know, for a fact that they have lost the 2027 general elections, have already prepared their homes in exile.

“So they have adopted the doctrine of lawlessness, intimidation and impunity. Cowards,” Onochie said.