Presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, put paid to rumors of his ill-health – and perhaps even death – with a clip from his regular fitness routine which showed him exercising on a fitness bike, much to the assurance of his followers and millions of Nigerians who have expressed support for his presidential ambition.
The clip, published Sunday, was accompanied by a message dismissing notions of his ill-health after a London trip caused him to miss the signing of the Peace Accord, a perfunctory pre-election exercise that was reportedly done this year at short notice, denying most candidates, who expectedly maintain a grueling daily schedule, a chance to plan attendance.
Tinubu was represented by his Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, who had to rush down from faraway Borno state where he was coordinating campaign efforts as the APC intensifies its lead in the North East region.
In the message, Tinubu said “Many have said I have died; others claim I have withdrawn from the presidential campaign. Well… Nope.”
“This is the reality: I am strong, I am healthy and I am READY to serve Nigerians from Day One.”
Reacting, Nigerians have praised Tinubu’s fitness levels and disciplined commitment to a healthy routine. Already, many have expressed admiration and respect over how the 70-year-old former Lagos Governor is able to withstand the rigors of politics at the national level, including frequent trips across the country and constant engagement that last throughout the day and into the wee hours of every morning.
Tinubu’s close associates have shared information on his rather short sleep routine, mostly for four hours every day, establishing an extraordinarily busy schedule younger Nigerians are unlikely to maintain or survive.
With the clip, Tinubu hopes to demonstrate his fitness and readiness to offer leadership to Nigerians from day one, if elected as the country’s next president. With the overwhelmingly positive messages that have trailed its publication, it is clear that the APC candidate has achieved that aim and will now reiterate the message as the official campaign is underway.