Oyo State chieftain of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan, has mocked Governor Seyi Makinde over his jumping display at a political gathering in Akure, Ondo State, saying physical stunts cannot prove a candidate’s competence to govern Nigeria.
Olopoeyan described the display at the APM South-West Town Hall meeting as childish, arguing that the 2027 presidential campaign should focus on policies and solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges rather than physical performances.
Makinde had challenged other presidential candidates to demonstrate their energy during the meeting held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure.
Addressing participants, the governor said he would not make age an issue in the campaign but would focus on energy, adding that candidates should be able to withstand the demands of office and tackle Nigeria’s challenges.
He also urged the audience not to vote for candidates who could not jump like him.
Olopoeyan Mocks Makinde
Reacting, Olopoeyan questioned whether physical agility had become a measure of presidential competence, insisting that Nigerians needed leaders with sound judgment and practical plans for national development.
“Is Aso Rock a fighting ground? Are we electing a wrestler or a president who understands the problems of Nigeria and has the capacity to solve them?” he asked.
The APM chieftain added, “I think that comment was too childish. At his level, and as a sitting governor, he should know better than to reduce a presidential campaign to a jumping competition.
“You behave childishly when you think that jumping before an audience is enough to convince Nigerians that you are fit to lead them.”
Olopoeyan argued that the presidency should not be reduced to a contest of physical strength, saying candidates should instead explain how they intend to tackle insecurity, create jobs, improve electricity supply and ease economic hardship.
“Governance is not about how high you can jump on a stage. It is about how well you can think, how sound your judgment is, how you manage public resources, how you protect lives and property, and how you improve the living conditions of the people,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as an attempt to draw President Bola Tinubu into a physical comparison, arguing that a candidate’s suitability for the presidency should not be judged by whether he could perform the same stunt as another politician.
“President Tinubu is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The office is not a fighting ground, and Nigeria is not a wrestling arena. Makinde should understand the difference between campaigning for an office and trying to entertain a crowd,” Olopoeyan said.
He challenged the Oyo governor to present clear policy proposals rather than focus on physical displays or attempts to ridicule Tinubu.
“If you want to govern Nigeria, tell Nigerians what you will do differently. Tell us how you intend to tackle insecurity, create jobs, stabilise the economy, improve electricity supply and reduce the hardship facing ordinary citizens. Jumping up and down will not put food on anybody’s table,” he said.
Olopoeyan maintained that the 2027 presidential campaign should centre on competence, accountability, experience and measurable plans for national development, rather than dramatic performances at political gatherings.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
