I've been a (reasonably successful) programmer for 20+ years and I don't even know how to play Sudoku, nor does learning interest me... not being able to write a Sudoku solver bears no resemblance on ones capabilities. This goes the same as being able to write one. So I agree, getting excited about this seems somewhat... irrelevant. Being able to write any kind of computer program doesn't demonstrate being capable of effective leadership. Having a compelling vision for one's country, understanding the issues you will need to overcome to get there and inspiring the people to help you take it there are far more relevant to me.

Knowing a bit of C++ and understanding an algorithm to make it solve a puzzle is largely useless in this context. Understanding a bit about technology at (close to) the lowest level, doesn't signify an understanding of how the internet works, how encryption systems work, how network security or the communications infrastructure works. Without an understanding of these in today's world of the communications and the internet, you may as well not understand how to program at all. Where we see technology failing the people (certainly in North America) are because legislators are largely incompetent in this context and seek to protect corporate interests over the needs of the people. I would say, being a systems administrator or systems analyst would make you far more capable of understanding the implications of technical bills and regulations than understanding a bit of C++.