On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Elon Musk, one of the world’s most influential tech billionaires, has increasingly stepped into America’s political spotlight. From acquiring X (formerly Twitter) and championing free speech to criticizing regulatory overreach, Musk has positioned himself as a force in U.S. public discourse. But despite his wealth, influence, and global reach, one question often surfaces: Could Elon Musk ever run for President of the United States?
The answer is simple—he can’t.
Constitutional Limitations
According to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, a presidential candidate must be:
A natural-born citizen
At least 35 years old
A resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years
Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971. Though he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002, the Constitution bars anyone not born a U.S. citizen from holding the office of President or Vice President. This restriction remains firm unless amended, something that has never successfully occurred despite past proposals.
What Roles Can Musk Hold?
While the presidency is off-limits, Musk is eligible for several influential roles, including:
U.S. Senator or Representative (as a naturalized citizen of over 9 years)
State Governor or Mayor, depending on state laws
Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador, or Presidential Adviser
He could also be a major political influencer or kingmaker, leveraging his platforms, capital, and reach to back candidates aligned with his vision of innovation, limited regulation, and free speech.
A Growing Political Footprint
Musk’s involvement in politics isn’t theoretical, he’s already shaping the narrative. He has publicly criticized Democratic policies, supported Republican candidates, and made platforms like X a center for political dialogue and cultural debate.
Whether or not he ever seeks office, one thing is clear: Elon Musk’s role in American politics is far from over. It just won’t include the Oval Office.
Abioye Tosin Lawrence is the publisher of Oriontimes Online Newspaper and the memoirist behind the forthcoming book, Voices from the Fire: My Journey Through a Hollow Empire.
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