In what appears to be Nigeria’s most dramatic “return on investment” complaint yet, a man on Thursday stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja with a message as blunt as it was unsettling: reward me or kill me. The protest, captured in a now-viral video, shows the visibly distressed man holding a placard and demanding recognition for what he described as his personal sacrifices during the party’s 2023 campaign. According to him, loyalty was not just emotional, it was financial, physical, and, ultimately, total. In a country where political support often comes with expectations, some spoken, many implied the man’s outcry reads like a tragic audit of misplaced trust. His claim that he sold his house to fund campaign efforts has not been independently verified, but the symbolism is hard to ignore: a citizen liquidating stability in exchange for promised political dividends. Observers at the scene watched as the protester oscillated between anger and ...
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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