Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said that the presidency should not be judged by a candidate’s physical strength or stamina, but by their vision, experience and ability to lead.
Momodu made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday while reacting to comments by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on the qualities required of a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Makinde had emphasised the importance of energy and stamina in a presidential candidate, arguing that the demands of the office require someone capable of handling the pressures of leadership. He demonstrated his point by jumping off a stage during a political gathering in Akure, Ondo State, and challenged other candidates to do the same.
Reacting, Momodu argued that physical agility should not be the standard for determining who is fit to become president.
“The job of a president is not to be a high jumper or long jumper. It is to think; it is to have clear vision; it is to have experience; it is to have exposure and be tolerant. Leadership is about managing people and resources,” he said.
The ADC chieftain maintained that Nigeria needs a leader who can think critically, manage national resources effectively and accommodate differing views, rather than one whose physical strength is the main selling point.
Momodu also expressed confidence in the ADC’s presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as an experienced politician with a long record in Nigeria’s political landscape.
He praised Atiku for his political focus and willingness to allow others to contest against him, arguing that these qualities demonstrate his understanding of democratic leadership.
The exchange comes as political parties and their prospective candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with debates over age, experience, energy and leadership capacity becoming increasingly prominent.
