Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari has responded to media reports that he apparently sought to prove his physical fitness to contest the 2019 presidential election by walking 800 metres during the Eid ul Aduha celebrations in his home town of Daura in Katsina State.

Buhari, through a series of tweets he posted on Sunday went on to highlight some of the projects that his government is committed to, including efforts to facilitate access to financing by small farm folders.

“Much has been said about my walk in Daura a few days ago. I didn’t do it to prove my fitness to anybody.

‘‘The people of my constituency came out in large numbers to see me, & the car in which I was had tinted windows. So I decided to come out of the car so the people could see me.

“People who know me know that I am not given to chasing cheap political points. The crowd in Daura were not seeing me so I came out of the car so they could see me. I didn’t and don’t need to walk to convince anyone about my health and the decision to contest for a second term.

“And let me say that we will not be distracted by politicking or anything else. The security and welfare of all Nigerians, young, old, female, male, remain our priority,” one of the tweets read.