The birthday celebration of Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, is whipping up sentiment and huge controversy. This controversy is largely because of his age.
Tinubu claims he is a 71-year-old man.
However, prior to the 2023 presidential election, many persons raised concerns over the authenticity of Tinubu’s age.
Many persons doubts his age claims as no one from Tinubu’s past affirmed the age. No classmates, no peer group to confirm his age.
In fact, the confusion became intense on July 28, 2022 when Tee Mac Iseli spoke on his age.
Tee Mac is an in-law to Asiwaju and first cousin to his wife, Senator Remi.
Initial Confusion
Tee Mac revealed that the former governor of Lagos was 86 years contrary to the claim that he was 15 years younger.
The internet was on fire that day.
He blurted out while reacting to a Facebook post by one Yemi Olakitan.
Tee Mac had insisted that at 86 years, Tinubu was not healthy enough.
He also accused Tinubu of fudging issues about his age, background and his source of wealth.
That day, Tee Mac was hailed as a hero for his bravery.
More Confusion
Now another birthday celebration is here and there is more confusion for Nigerians. They are concerned that Bola Tinubu is celebrating his 71st birthday today.
It is more confusing because many persons say the president elect celebrated his 69 birthday in 2012, in fact many persons went as far as digging up evidence to back this claims.
A report by Sahara reporters in March 25, 2012 alleged that the self acclaimed ‘Jagaban’ of Lagos “had ordered the state government and various local government councils in the state to contribute huge sums to fund his 69 birthday.”
Tinubu At 71
Now, 11 years after that publication by Sahara Reporters, Tinubu is celebrating his 71st birthday.
There is so much confusion on social media.
On Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari sent his goodwill message to the family of the president elect.
Today, Jagaban’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), via its social media handles wished him a happy birthday.
HAPPY 71ST BIRTHDAY
As the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his 71st birthday, our great party, joins well-wishers, in praying to God to grant Your Excellency many more years in excellent health & divine wisdom in illustrious service to our country and humanity. pic.twitter.com/o6Yg946ztV
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) March 29, 2023
Nigerians React
Sadly, many Nigerians are now wondering what the real age of their soon to be president is.
While wishing him a happy birthday, they do not know what age should accompany their message.
See some reactions below:
@sheidutijani: “A man who celebrated 69th birthday in 2012, now celebrating 71 in 2023, this is clearly another show of shame by APC & it’s entire supporters .”
@kingdonald06: “Happy 91st birthday sir @officialABAT after Celebrating kindly return the stolen mandate ✌🏾”
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@Madonans: “It will be nice if you just said “ happy birthday president-elect “ instead of contradicting yourself and the general public of the debatable age “71”.
@june12post: “..this man is not 71. He should come clean, and confirm he is around 86.”
@dasfreidenker: “Happy 87th birthday to Pa Yekini Amoda Ogunlere. The man who stole the 2023 elections and was declared President-elect by INEC. Everything about him is fake. He has no honour”.
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@ayodejipayne: “2012: 69yrs
2023: 71yrs.
lol is jah not wonderful.
Happy birthday anyways baba jagaban”
@honesty: “In 2012 he celebrated 69th birthday, APC why do you people lie in everything, it’s not fair ooooh. God is watching you people”.