Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari says he will not seek a third term in office in the 2023 presidential elections. 

The president made the announcement through his communications office in response to what he says is "internet-based gossip" and "misinformed media commentary."

"The Presidency wishes to correct internet-based gossip and un-informed media commentary regarding presidential term limits, given credence by so-called support groups, staging street demonstrations asking President Muhammadu Buhari to do a third term," said Buhari spokesman Garba Shehu. 

"There are no circumstances – nor set of circumstances – under which President Buhari may seek to amend the Constitution regarding the two-term limit on holding office as president."

The statement went on to refer to the failed attempt by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek a third term.

"That attempt was wrong, unconstitutional, and rightly rebuffed. No such attempt will happen under this president."

Under Nigerian law, presidents, vice presidents, governors and deputy governors can only serve for a maximum of two terms of four years each.

(With input from All Africa news)