Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has challenged his opponents in the 2027 election to demonstrate their physical fitness, jumping off a stage during a campaign event in Akure, Ondo State.
Makinde issued the challenge on Thursday at the APM’s South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting, held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.
The governor said he would avoid making age a central issue in the campaign, insisting instead that voters should assess candidates’ energy and capacity to cope with the demands of governing the country.
“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,” he said.
Makinde then urged supporters to judge other presidential contenders by whether they could replicate his physical demonstration.
“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 added.
The crowd cheered as the governor jumped down from the stage, turning the moment into a highlight of the political gathering.
The event also provided a platform for the APM to unveil its policy direction ahead of the 2027 general election. Under its “RESET Nigeria” platform, the party outlined a four-point agenda focused on the economy, education, security and socio-political development.
Makinde also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to meet its promises to Nigerians. He described the next general election as an opportunity for voters to decide whether the current government should remain in power.
Citing electricity supply challenges and fluctuations in petroleum prices, the governor questioned the administration’s handling of issues affecting households and businesses.
The APM candidate presented his party as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress and other political platforms, seeking to build support for his presidential bid among opposition-minded voters.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who attended the meeting, expressed optimism about the APM’s prospects, describing it as a significant opposition movement.
