President Goodluck Jonathan, in uncertain terms, has ruled the possibility of being succeeded by vice president Namadi Sambo 1n 2019 if he wins next month’s election, saying his successor would have to be less than 60 years old.
Jonathan said while speaking to a crowd of his supporters at a PDP presidential election campaign rally at the Lafia Township Stadium in Nasarawa. He stressed his belief in the ability of the Nigerian to rise to occasion if given the chance to govern the country.
“Obasanjo was president at 70, Yar’Adua at 60 and me close to 60 so the next president must be younger than me,” Mr. Jonathan said.
While there is no constitutional provisions against persons who are 60 and above contesting for presidency, Sambo may not be given the chance if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) appends Jonathan’s pronouncement. Sambo is already 60.
Jonathan said the PDP administration will invest in the younger generation and ensure that a space is made available for them in the future.
He explained that his administration has taken keen interest in educational development which is a yardstick for developing the younger generation.
He laid emphasis on youth empowerment which he said will be cardinal principle of his government if re-elected.
President Jonathan said the Doma Dam in Doma Local Government Area of the state will be completed to pave way for agricultural development that will create development for the youth.
The president also debunked insinuations that he was behind the candidature of Labaran Maku former minister of Information as gubernatorial candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nasarawa state.
He added that the PDP administration will work to integrate Nasarawa within the Federal Capital Territory in the next 25 years.
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