Buhari becomes subject of betting game in Nigeria

Buhari becomes subject of betting game in Nigeria

- Some Nigerians have begun using President Muhammadu Buhari as subject of betting

- Buhari had left for London on May 7 on medical trip

- But a popular sports gaming site, NaijaBet.com, is asking those interested to stake their money on when Buhari would return

Despite the health challenges of President Muhammadu Buhari and criticisms from Nigerians home and abroad, some people have started using him as a subject of sports betting in the country, Guardian has reported.

President Buhari had on May 7 left Nigeria for London to attend to his health issues but since his departure, many Nigerians have been calling for his resignation.

Legit.ng gathered that three months after he left Nigeria, a popular sports gaming site, NaijaBet.com, is asking those interested to stake their money on when Buhari would return.

READ ALSO: Mixed reactions trail Buhari's alleged imminent return to Nigeria

The company usually focuses on English Premiership, Champions League and other sporting events, but recently launched the ‘Buhari to Return’ game:

Buhari had first sought treatment in London in June last year for what presidency officials said was a persistent inner ear infection, returning in six months for check-ups that were later said to be a long period of treatment.

He admitted on his return to Abuja in March that he had not been that ill before.

Despite Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s acting on his behalf, Buhari’s protracted absence has sparked intense public debate in Nigeria.

Last month, both members of the ruling party and the opposition went to see him in London and even took pictures with him in London to douse public anxiety.

The health of Nigerian leaders has often been a contentious issue.

Buhari, a former military ruler in the 1980s, was dogged by speculation about his health even before the election win in 2015 that brought him to power.

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During that campaign, the then-ruling party claimed he was seriously ill with prostate cancer and even put out advertisements insinuating he would die in office.

He rejected the claims as unfounded.

In 2010, Nigeria was plunged into months of political turmoil after president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua died in office following months of treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that there were indications that President Muhammadu Buhari would be arriving from London where he has been on medical ground have emerged.

Watch this Legit.ng video of the reactions that greeted the President's return to London in May:

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Wale Akinola avatar

Wale Akinola Wale Akinola is a passionate journalist and researcher. He is the Head of Desk, Politics and Current Arts, Legit.ng. He holds both B. A and Master’s degree in Communications and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan. He also holds a Diploma Certificate in Peace Journalism. He has over 15 years of work experience in both print and online media. You can reach him via +2348054137974 or wale.akinola@corp.legit.ng.