Buhari’s Constitutional Right To Seek Re-Election

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The stark truth is that democracy is not a game where a category of people can be asked to vacate the stage for another. Democracy is a theatre where diverse ambitions compete and contend. Nigeria is not the relatively under-achieving nation it is today because young people have not presided over its affairs. From Tafawa Balewa to Muhammadu Buhari, we have had 15 political leaders with Olusegun Obasanjo and Buhari featuring twice. The average age at ascension into office, based on my rough calculations, is 49 years and 11 months. The youngest Nigerian political leader is Gen. Yakubu Gowon who took over the reins of power at the age of 32, while the oldest person at inauguration is Buhari at the age of 72. In comparison, America has had 45 presidents in its more than 200 years of democracy, with the average age of ascension being 54 years and 11 months. The youngest person to assume office was Theodore Roosevelt who, at the age of 42 years and 322 days, became president following the assassination of William McKinley. However, the youngest President by direct election was John F. Kennedy at 43, while the oldest is Donald Trump at the age of 70. The “digital leadership” theory is exciting. However, what seems universal is that leadership and governance can hardly be explained outside of democracy and its institutions-the ideological orientation of competing political parties, the ever-changing political issues as well as the stage of development and complexity of the political environment itself. The political leader of Nigeria will not be picked by computer, and neither will its vacancy be advertised on the pages of newspapers. The political leader will continue to be recruited from the ranks of politicians that put themselves forward and are adjudged to be acceptable to their political parties and the voting public. Leadership style will continue to vary with individuals, informed by their experiences, as well as social outlook and preparation for office. Most of America’s presidents have been former generals, senators and governors. Nigeria seems to be on a similar route. There have been discussions as to whether or not President Buhari should seek re-election in 2019. The debate has been heightened by the interventions of former President Obasanjo and Babangida who seemed to have suggested to the sitting President not to exercise what is his constitutional right. The rival politicians who should be rooting for an opportunity to take on a vulnerable incumbent have been singing the praises of the duo. It is as if they feared facing Buhari at the polls. However, the democratic position would be that the choice as to whether or not to seek re-election belongs to Buhari and his political party while the ultimate decision as to whether or not he will remain our principal tenant at Aso Rock for another four years, beginning from May 29, 2019,belongs to us, the voting public. Whoever wins in a free and fair election will be the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Add 0802 739 7554 To Receive SKYTREND NEWS Alerts On WhatsApp; For Adverts Enquiries, Whatsapp 0802 739 7554, Send Articles & News Stories To editor@skytrendnews.com. Punch READ ALSO! 14-Year-Old Pregnant Housemaid Dislodges Her Childless Madam, Says I Can’t Share Husband With You READ ALSO! SHOCKING, ALARMING: Nigerian FRSC Official Engages Woman In Serious Physical Combat (VIDEO) READ ALSO! How I Stopped Obasanjo From Becoming Nigerian Version Of Mugabe — Atiku READ ALSO! I’m Happy Leaving My Husband, Nine Children For New Lover — Housewife After 23 Years Of Marriage READ ALSO! The Smart CEO: Top 5 Websites To Get Cheap Domain Name Registration READ ALSO! First Bank’s Appalling Customer Service And Utter Disregard For Its Customers READ ALSO! Between GoDaddy And Namecheap: Making The Best Choice For Domain Name Registrar READ ALSO! Nigerian Filmmaker, Zuriel Oduwole Makes Forbes List Of 100 Most Influential African Women READ ALSO! Woman Marries Her Son After Getting Pregnant For Him ]]>