Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s presidential standard-bearer, has asserted that Nigeria’s top political office is unsuitable for senior citizens. Speaking on Symfoni TV on Wednesday, he drew a parallel between the presidency and football, arguing that no octogenarian can perform effectively on the pitch.
“I am not being ageist, but the Nigerian presidency is no place for elderly individuals,” Adebayo stated. “No matter your passion for football, you cannot represent the Super Eagles at 80. The president requires stamina comparable to that of a coach or captain of the national team. Therefore, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not need the presidency to serve Nigeria; there are other avenues.”
He further referenced late President Muhammadu Buhari, who, after his 2015 election, remarked that he wished he had assumed office at a younger age. Adebayo emphasized that age should be a critical factor in selecting the nation’s leader.