Governor Seyi Makinde, the Action Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, made a dramatic physical gesture at a rally in Ondo State on Wednesday, October 21, jumping off the stage to underscore his message about physical fitness and the energy required to lead Nigeria.
Speaking to the crowd, Makinde said age would not be the central issue in his 2027 presidential campaign. Instead, he framed his pitch around stamina, staying power, and the capacity to deal with the country's pressing problems.
Makinde's Veiled Challenge to President Tinubu
Makinde said: "I will not make age an issue in this campaign, but I will make it about energy — having energy, being able to stay up late, and having the rigour to deal with the challenges in the country."
After delivering those words, the governor then leapt off the stage in front of the crowd, turning his words into a live demonstration. He then issued what appeared to be a veiled challenge to President Bola Tinubu.
"So, when they bring their own presidential candidate, let him come here and also jump down. If they can do that, vote for them," he said.
While Makinde did not call out President Bola Tinubu by name, the remarks were widely read as a veiled jab at the incumbent, given that the question of a candidate's physical condition and vitality has become a recurring theme in discussions about Nigeria's political leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde's Early Campaign Moves
Makinde, who currently serves as governor of Oyo State, has positioned himself as a major challenger for the presidency. His appearance in Ondo State signals early and active campaigning outside his home state, as he looks to build a national coalition before the 2027 elections.
The governor's dramatic stage jump has been widely shared on social media, with a video of the moment circulating online. The APM presidential candidate has previously defended his 2027 presidential bid against Tinubu, indicating that the political rivalry between the two is likely to intensify as the election approaches.
Makinde's campaign strategy appears to focus on contrasting his own vitality with that of the incumbent, a tactic that resonates with voters concerned about the physical demands of the presidency. The Ondo rally marks a significant step in his efforts to expand his political base beyond Oyo State.
