A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has argued that presidential leadership requires vision, experience, tolerance and the ability to manage people and resources rather than physical strength or agility.
Momodu made the remarks on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, while responding to comments by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde about the importance of energy and stamina in a presidential candidate ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general election.
Makinde had suggested that voters should consider candidates' physical fitness and ability to withstand the demands of the presidency rather than focusing solely on their age.
The governor reportedly demonstrated his argument by jumping off a stage and challenging other presidential candidates to show similar physical ability.
Responding, Momodu questioned the relevance of such demonstrations to the responsibilities of the nation's highest political office.
“The job of a president is not to be a high jumper or a long jumper. It is to think. It is to have clear vision,” he said.
He further identified experience, exposure and tolerance as important leadership qualities, maintaining that the presidency involves managing people and national resources rather than demonstrating physical agility.
Momodu argued that the ability to make informed decisions and coordinate government affairs should receive greater attention when Nigerians assess presidential candidates.
His remarks reflect a disagreement over the qualities voters should prioritise in choosing the country's next president.
While Makinde emphasised the physical demands of the office, Momodu maintained that intellectual capacity, administrative experience and sound judgment were more relevant considerations.
The exchange comes as political figures and parties intensify discussions about leadership, governance and candidate qualifications ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu, who has publicly supported former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has repeatedly emphasised political experience as an important consideration in the presidential contest.
His latest comments add to the continuing debate over whether physical stamina, experience or other leadership attributes should carry greater weight in evaluating those seeking Nigeria's presidency.
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