Presidency Requires Stamina, Not Age – SDP Candidate Adewole Adebayo
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, stated that Nigeria’s presidency should not be viewed as a role reserved for elderly individuals.
He likened the demands of the office to those of a football coach or captain, explaining that passion alone does not enable an 80‑year‑old to play for the Super Eagles.
Adebayo emphasized that the president needs strong physical and mental energy, comparable to the stamina required of a national team’s leader.
According to him, maintaining such alertness and vigor may be challenging for very old politicians.
He also advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to regard the presidency as the sole avenue for national service.
“I’m not being an ageist, but Nigeria’s presidency is not a place for elderly people. However much you are passionate and you love football, you cannot join the Super Eagles at the age of 80.”
Adewole Adebayo
The SDP hopeful added that former President Muhammadu Buhari once remarked, upon his 2015 election, that he wished he had assumed the office earlier in life.
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