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Leadership should shift to under 50s – Jonathan

Jonathan cited the example of General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at 38 and, despite serving for only 200 days, left what he described as a lasting legacy of decisive and visionary leadership.

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“If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age brackets. That is when you can be vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” said former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan gave the insight on Thursday in Abuja during the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

He urged African nations to promote younger leaders, arguing that those between the ages of 25 and 50 are better equipped to handle the physical and mental demands of modern governance.

Reflecting on his time in office, Jonathan said leadership requires exceptional stamina and resilience, noting that he often slept for only a few hours while serving as president.

Jonathan aligns his remarks with the objectives of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which advocates reduced age limits for elective positions to encourage youth participation in politics.

Jonathan cited the example of General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at 38 and, despite serving for only 200 days, left what he described as a lasting legacy of decisive and visionary leadership.

“Murtala’s leadership sent a clear message that governance is about serving the national interest, not personal ambition,” he said.

He also referenced General Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing him as another example of youthful leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

However, Jonathan cautioned that age alone does not guarantee effective leadership, emphasising the importance of discipline, patriotism and strong institutions.

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ADC, NDC upload presidential tickets to INEC portal for 2027 polls

In a post on his X handle, Abdullahi described the submission as another milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have successfully uploaded the names and particulars of their presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi., Peter Obi/ Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The two parties confirmed the development respectively on the X and Facebook.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced on Wednesday that the party had successfully uploaded the names and particulars of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi.

In a post on his X handle, Abdullahi described the submission as another milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, disclosed that he had completed his INEC nomination form, using the occasion to call for greater transparency in the electoral process and a renewed focus on governance.

In a post on his Facebook page, Obi said one of the questions on the nomination form, asking whether an aspirant had ever been labelled a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind, prompted him to reflect on the state of leadership in Nigeria.

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2027: Obi asks INEC to publish candidates’ certificates

Obi made the call while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to mental fitness and certificate authenticity.

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Peter Gregory Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the academic certificates and credentials submitted by candidates seeking elective office.

Obi made the call while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to mental fitness and certificate authenticity.

He said that for openness in the electoral system, INEC should publish the certificates and credentials submitted by all aspirants.

According to Obi, making such documents publicly available would help ensure that those seeking public office are held to higher standards of accountability and integrity.

He said, “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?” Again, the answer is either Yes or No. This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?”

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JUST IN: Adeboye says he Admires Trump, declaring “He is the best politician I’ve met’

To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician.

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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described United States President Donald Trump as the “best politician” he has ever known, saying the American leader keeps his promises and acts decisively on them.

Adeboye made the remarks when he spoke at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C.

The cleric said that he admired Trump not because he agreed with all his policies, but because he believed the US president was a leader who followed through on his commitments.

His words, “I’ve never met Trump, but I’ve followed him, and I like him. It doesn’t mean I agree with all his ways, but what I like about him is if you want the truth, he’s the best politician I’ve ever met.

During the first time, an ambassador in Nigeria then visited me in my home, and he said, ‘What do you think about our new president?’ ‘I said, ‘I like him because he’s doing what he promised he will do.

Adeboye emphasised that unlike many politicians who make conflicting statements, Trump says what he intends to do and carries it out.

“To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician, and then I like him because when he says he wants to do this, you better get ready because many times he would have done what he’s going to do before he tells you.”

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