A chieftain of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan, has again mocked Governor Seyi Makinde over his recent jumping display at a political gathering, contrasting it with President Bola Tinubu’s rally in Kaduna.
Olopoeyan said Tinubu’s rally showed the difference between a politician seeking to become President of Nigeria and one whose campaign performance, in his view, resembled a wrestling show of the 1970s.
The APM chieftain made the remarks in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday, questioning whether physical displays should form part of the debate over who is qualified to lead the country.
“President Tinubu’s rally in Kaduna has shown the difference between someone who wants to become President of Nigeria and someone who appears to be auditioning for the championship of the World Wrestling Federation of the 1970s,” he said.
“Is the Nigerian presidency now a wrestling arena? Is the presidential campaign about who can jump the highest, or about who has the experience, ideas, political maturity and capacity to lead a country as complex as Nigeria?” Olopoeyan asked.
He argued that Nigeria’s economic, security and social challenges required practical solutions and a clear vision for governance, rather than what he described as political theatrics.
Olopoeyan challenged Makinde to explain his plans for the country and present the achievements he believes qualify him for the presidency ahead of the 2027 election.
“Governorship is not a comedy show, and the presidency is certainly not a wrestling championship. Nigerians deserve to know what a presidential aspirant intends to do for them, not merely what he can do on a campaign stage,” he said.
The APM chieftain urged the Oyo governor to outline how he would address the country’s challenges, defend his record in office and explain what he would do differently if elected president.
He added that political campaigns should provide opportunities for aspirants to present policies, engage citizens and demonstrate their leadership capacity.
Olopoeyan also urged Nigerians to assess presidential hopefuls based on their records in public office, policy proposals and ability to provide responsible leadership rather than campaign performances.
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.
