2027: If they can jump down, vote for them, Makinde tells supporters

Oyo State Governor and APM presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde. Photo: Oyo State Govt

Oyo State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has challenged his opponents to demonstrate their physical stamina, jumping off a stage during a political gathering in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday.

Makinde, who spoke at the party’s South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting, said he would focus on energy and the ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than make age an issue in the election.

He challenged other presidential candidates to replicate his demonstration, telling supporters to consider their performance when deciding whom to vote for.

“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,” the governor said.

He added, “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!”

The crowd responded with cheers and chants as Makinde jumped down from the stage during the event held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.

The governor’s remarks came as the APM presented its policy framework for the 2027 general election, with Makinde outlining a four-point agenda under the party’s “RESET Nigeria” platform.

The agenda centres on the economy, education, security and socio-political development, which the party identified as key areas requiring attention in the country.

Makinde also used the gathering to criticise President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promises to Nigerians.

The governor argued that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reject the current administration.

He pointed to electricity supply and fluctuations in petroleum prices as examples of challenges facing the country, questioning the government’s handling of issues affecting households and businesses.

The APM candidate further presented his party as an alternative to the APC and other political platforms, seeking to rally opposition forces around his presidential ambition.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who attended the meeting, also expressed confidence in the APM’s political prospects, describing it as a major opposition movement.