Segun Showunmi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council’s media team, has pushed back against Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent fitness challenge, asserting that physical power is not a primary requirement for successful presidential leadership.
Showunmi said the ability to think clearly, develop policies and provide direction should matter more in assessing a president than physical fitness or the capacity to engage in physical activities.
He made the remarks during an interview on TVC News’ Beyond The Headlines on Monday, October 26, while reacting to Makinde’s reported fitness challenge.
“The work of a president is not to be doing physical exercise or be fighting Kung Fu,” Showunmi said.
He argued that the demands of the presidency require intellectual capacity and strategic thinking, noting that the institution has sufficient personnel and infrastructure to handle physical tasks.
“What you are looking for in a president is his brain,” he said.
“The president is not even supposed to lift a chair to sit down. There’s enough infrastructure around the presidency to help him with all of the hard work. But nobody can help a president with thinking.”
According to Showunmi, a president’s ability to establish a clear national direction and develop the framework for achieving set objectives is more important than physical prowess.
He also cited examples of leaders who had disabilities but were still able to occupy positions of authority, arguing that physical limitations should not automatically disqualify anyone from leadership.
Showunmi’s comments came amid his criticism of Makinde’s political activities and questions about the governor’s intentions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, had earlier said Nigeria needs an energetic leader capable of confronting the country’s challenges.
Makinde, gave the challenge at the APM presidential campaign on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
He said “While I will not make age an issue in this campaign, I will make energy an issue. We need a leader who has the energy to stay up late, withstand the rigours of the office and tackle the challenges facing our country.
“So please, when they bring their own presidential candidates, let the candidates come here and also jump up, if they can do that, vote for them.”
What You Should Know
This story highlights an ongoing political debate over the physical and mental requirements needed to govern Nigeria effectively ahead of the upcoming political cycle.
- Positive Impact: Encourages a focus on intellectual capacity, policy formulation, and strategic thinking when evaluating leaders.
- Potential Concerns: Creates political friction between opposition figures and adds to the polarization surrounding leadership qualifications.
