El-Rufai was reacting to a comment, supposedly made by his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Sa’idu, that he would support a younger successor in 2019.

“What was reported was that I had no plans to run for another term of office and will be succeeded by someone below the age of 50. Both statements are misrepresentations of my position and the government,” the governor said according to Daily Trust.

“I am of the firm opinion that nobody, no matter the position they hold, can dictate to other citizens what they can or cannot aspire to. No individual can introduce into the electoral process conditions that are not embedded in the laws of our country and the norms of electoral competition.

“While our government will continue to train these young persons in leadership responsibilities, and prepare them for the future, we do not believe that decreeing a generational shift is either lawful or pragmatic. Choice is the prerogative of the voting public which decides at each moment, who and what platform they believe best represents their needs,” he added.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai has said that re-electing President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 would be in Nigeria’s best interests.

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However, the president is currently suffering from a bout of ill health which many believe has affected his ability to rule the country.

Buhari has been ill since January and is currently in London receiving treatment for an unknown ailment.

The president was away for 49 days between January and March and is currently on an indefinite medical vacation.