“I Don’t Think Nigeria Deserves A 73-year Old President” – Namadi Sambo Says

Vice President, Namadi Sambo has taken a swipeat the age and physical abilities of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Party, APC, Gen Muhammudu Buhari.

He asked Nigerians not to vote  Buhari, in the March 28 election, saying the country does not deserve a leader who is 73. He said this during the solidarity rally by Nigerian sportsmen and women for President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja Saturday morning, Premium Times reports.

Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, which makes him 72, and  73 in December 2015.



But Mr. Sambo, 60, believes the former head of state is too old to be President, a sentiment he first expressed in January when he suggested Mr. Buhari is too old and weak to physically lead the war against terrorist group, Boko Haram.

“Our President is a young President. And I don’t think this country deserves a 73-year old President.” Sambo said.

He therefore asked the sportsmen and women to allow Mr. Jonathan to “carry go” in the March 28 presidential election.

“Come 28 March, make sure you have your PVC cards …and make sure Mr. President carry go,” he said.

Also speaking at the rally, attended by Nigeria’s leading current and former sportsmen and women, President Jonathan promised to create a special intervention fund for sports if re-elected.

He said the fund will cater for special training programmes for sportspeople, help them advance in academics after their sporting careers, help pay for treatment and rehabilitation for injured sportsmen and women and ensure that anyone who wins medal for Nigeria does not live ‘below average’ after his or career.

Mr. Jonathan also said the Fund would be used to reposition and strengthen the National Institute of Sports in Lagos and the Centre of Excellence in Abuja.

“This special fund will be professionally managed and once it’s in place, Nigeria will begin to dominate sports globally.”

The President said he is “passionate about sports because sports is one of the things that unite this country”.

The rally, which is part of President Jonathan’s reelection campaign, was attended by sports stars such as Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Eguavoen, Mary Onyali, Peter Rufai among others.

Meanwhile, Patience Jonathan has earlier this week described Buhari as “Old man wey no get brain” during a women presidential rally in Kogi State.