Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari declared his decision to run for re-election in February 2019, and Nigerians are adamant that he shouldn’t, many using his own words to draw attention to his age as a prevailing impediment to his effective rule.
Buhari’s announcement came Monday (April 9) amid growing criticism of his performance and concerns in his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) about his plans. In a statement from the president’s office, Buhari said he was responding to “the clamor by Nigerians” to seek a second term.
“Let us strive to remain united in our purpose. Victory is sure by the Grace of God, and together we must continue to sanitize Nigeria’s political environment, ” he said in a speech at APC’s national executive committee meeting.
The former military ruler is 75. He was in the U.K. for five months last year to treat an undisclosed ailment, and is back to the U.K this week. Many fear his age and health are major impediments to his effectiveness as a leader.
Check out Twitter reactions below.
Anyone who believe that a man who complained about how old age was limiting his performance in 2015, should remain in office after 2019, must be either mad or a super sycophant. #nigeria #buhari pic.twitter.com/a2aAvDnrWA
— NNABUIKE NNADEDE (@borderlessglobe) April 10, 2018
Can someone explain to me why #Buhari is running again? @tmannazy @IjeomahG @Laurestar @civilrightsint @Onyemachinyer @ring4change @nigcommonsense @mazieze1 @YeleSowore @MBuhari @NGRPresident @NGRSenate @APCNigeria @APCUKingdom @DailyPostNGR @AsoRock @NkechiRochas @Gov_Rochas pic.twitter.com/DJEhp2m9QZ
— Speak for Helpless (@speak4them1) April 10, 2018
If #Buhari wins again, he will hit 80 while in office. Nigeria’s median age is 18. Go figure… https://t.co/JNYr0umDcf
— Ed Cropley (@edwardcropley) April 9, 2018
Please my people take a look at this tweet.
Please whoever that is in charge of this handle should tell #buhari that we are ready to reject him come 2019.
He want to disagree himself.We are tried of recycling this old must die leaders.
It’s time for youth to take over. pic.twitter.com/PwdIKLHU5K— Chibuike Matthew (@IamChubbydad) April 9, 2018
“That boldness Buhari used to declare his intention to run for presidency next year is same boldness you need to accomplish your goals. Don’t let failure make you retire. Learn from #Buhari
— Joseph Samuel (@samstickkz) April 9, 2018
#Buhari…dear Buhari, we already know you will seek for re-election and we the association of 9ja youth promise to vote you out at all cost, your accomplice, your supporter and anybody that has Buhari as their surname…may God help us @renoomokri @Omojuwa
— toyinsmith Clothings (@OladapoSmit) April 9, 2018
