Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, two leading presidential candidates in 2023, will be in their 70s.Mr Tinubu will be 71 in 2023, while Atiku Abubakar will be 77. This year's presidential election will be the first in which President Muhammadu Buhari will be able to run for re-election in 2023.
“I notice my colleagues are now resting and I promise you that I am looking forward to the next 17 months when I too will be less busy,” remarked the 79-year-old President.
“My age is showing. Working 6, 7, 8 hours a day is no joke.”
In earlier elections, rotation and religion were major concerns. But President Buhari's frequent hospitalizations and protracted delays in government response have given him the nickname "Baba go slow" among Nigerians.
Despite the issue of rotation, Atiku, a northerner, is anticipated to get the PDP ticket, while Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, already has a national political machine mobilizing for him. If these two get the ticket, one of them will replace Mr Buhari, who will be in his 80s by then.
On Channels TV on Friday, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani Kayode, an ally of governor Yahaya Bello, addressed the issue of age.
“Of course, some are younger, some are more lively than others. “You have individuals that are more focused, stronger, and more decisive than others,” the controversial politician stated.
Mr Fani-Kayode is not alone in this opinion. In December, Osita Okechukwu, a staunch Buhari supporter, urged Tinubu to embrace a “young Southeastern for 2023” to unite the south and the country.
Mr Tinubu's 69th birthday in 2021 sparked controversy as many Nigerians questioned his age. Tinubu's page has to be locked down.
Youth appeal has become more essential than age appeal. Since most of the candidates are over 50, a significant attempt has been made to appeal to youths, notably on social media.
The current government's stance on Twitter and Bitcoin, where limits were enforced, has fueled the yearning for a youthful President or someone who understands these topics.
In this assessment, Daily Post looks at the 2023 presidential hopefuls.
Atiku (75)
Ex-Vice President Gore will be riding on his market-economy
For some reason, Mr Atiku has been highly active on Twitter, commenting on themes that attract to young people. Even at 75, I can pick up on trendy jargon and slang. He ran with Peter Obi in the last election.
Mr Obi, a former Anambra State governor, was a popular figure among young people.
Tinubu (69 years)
Mr Tinubu, 69, is unpopular on social media because to his recent hospitalization and EndSARS fury, but his political structure remains strong.
The recruitment of Abdulmumin Jibrin, a former member of the Kano House of Representatives, appears to be working.
The APC supporters on Twitter appear to be split recently. The BMC or E-BMC is split between supporters of Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Bukola (59 years)
No politician in the 2023 campaign has pandered to youngsters like Bukola Saraki.
They like Mr Saraki, the ex-Kwara State governor who opposed Buhari as Senate President.
His social media influencer connections have paid off. When he met Dr Aproko, a well-known social media influencer with over 1.2 million followers, in 2021, it trended for a day.
Osinbajo (64)
The Vice President is another probable 2023 candidate. Despite being 5 years younger than Mr Tinubu, the law professor is a social media sensation.
Despite his continuous commitment to President Buhari, he remains popular.
BELLO YAYA (46)
The governor of Kogi State is now one of the youngest candidates.
Fans of Mr Bello, including Fani Kayode, attribute Mr Bello's interest to youth. Nobody knows if his youth will make up for his alleged lack of performance as Kogi State governor.
We need a mix of youth and skill....
Bashir Madandola, Leader of Kwara South Youth Stakeholders' Forum, says the next president must have experience and track record.
The Nigerian youngsters are capable of ruling this country. To replace Buhari's rudderless leadership, we need a new generation. For example, former Senate President Bukola Saraki possesses youth, competence, and exposure.
“As we plan for 2023, this blend is critical,” he said.
-dailypost.ng
