Makinde Jumps Off Stage, Challenges 2027 Rivals to Match His Stamina
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina after jumping down from a stage during a political gathering in Akure, Ondo State.
Makinde, who is seeking the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made the challenge on Thursday at the party’s South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting.
Addressing supporters at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome, the governor said he would focus on energy and the ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than make age a central issue in his campaign.
He said the next president would need the stamina to work late and respond to Nigeria’s numerous challenges.
“While I will not make age an issue of this campaign, I will make energy, having energy, being able to stay up late, have the rigours, have the energy to deal with the challenges that we’re faced as a country,” Makinde said.
He then challenged rival candidates to perform the same feat.
“So please, when they bring their own presidential candidate, let the candidate come here and also jump down! If they can do that, vote for them!” he said.
The governor’s action drew cheers and chants from the crowd, according to accounts of the event.
Makinde’s demonstration formed part of his effort to present himself as a candidate capable of handling the physical and administrative demands of the presidency.
The APM also used the gathering to outline its policy priorities ahead of the 2027 general election. Its proposed RESET Nigeria agenda focuses on the economy, education, security and socio-political development.
Makinde criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration during the meeting, questioning its handling of issues affecting households and businesses, including electricity supply and fluctuations in petroleum prices.
He argued that the next election would give Nigerians an opportunity to decide whether the current administration should continue in office.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who attended the meeting, also expressed confidence in the APM’s political prospects.
Makinde’s challenge adds a physical demonstration to the political arguments expected to feature in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election. Whether voters consider such demonstrations relevant to presidential fitness will ultimately depend on their assessment of the candidates’ broader records, policies and capacity to govern.
