PDP has gone to great length to paint GMB with a tar brush. It is a classic case of giving a person a bad name in order to hang him. The main attack is that GMB is a Muslim with an agenda to Islamise Nigeria and impose Sharia law. A former US ambassador to Nigeria, now with the Council on Foreign Relations John Campbell told AFP recently about PDP efforts to brand Buhari as an extremist devoted to Islamic law. "It is grossly unfair. I know him. He is not an extremist but these things resonate." What is the basis for this Islamist toga. Lets us look at the facts. It was IBB that took us to the OIC. Sharia law was imposed in some states during the tenure of the PDP led Obasanjo Govt. On the other hand, during his tenure as Head of State, GMB did not take us to the OIC and he never imposed Sharia law in any part of the country. They say GMB was a dictator 30 years ago and violated human rights. He answered his critics during his speech at Chatam House in London by admitting that dictatorship goes with military rule but he is now a converted democrat who has subjected himself to the democratic process four times. Surely, GMB can no longer be labeled a despot or an Islamist.

Another attack is on the health of GMB. Critics say that at over 70 years of age GMB is too old to carry out the duties of President. The people who peddle such stories are clearly uninformed and GMB will not be the first 70 year old to govern his country. Francois Mitterand of France was 72 when he was re-elected in 1988. Jacob Zuma of South Africa is 72 years old. Alasanne Quatarra of Cote d’Ivoire was elected at age 72. Former president of Uruguay, Jose Mujica was 75 years of age when he was elected. Furthermore, Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe were 74 and 79 years old respectively when they both contested in 1983.