A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, has challenged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to demonstrate his accomplishments and qualifications for the presidency rather than focus on youthful energy.
Oluyede, founder of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda, criticised Makinde’s decision to prioritise physical fitness as a campaign issue, saying, “Nigeria needs proven leadership, political experience and measurable achievements rather than age-based arguments”.
Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, said at the party’s South-West town hall meeting in Akure on Thursday that he would focus on energy and stamina rather than age during the campaign.
“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 are faced with as a country.
“So please, when they bring their own presidential candidates, let the candidates come here and also jump down. If they can do that, vote for them,” Makinde said.
However, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Oluyede said leadership should be assessed by performance and achievements rather than age.
“Leadership is not about how young or energetic you claim to be. It is about what you have achieved, the institutions you have built, the people you have empowered and the political legacy you are leaving behind.
“If Governor Makinde believes he is prepared to lead Nigeria, he should show Nigerians his record and allow them to assess it against the responsibilities he seeks to assume.
“Youthfulness without results is not leadership. Being young is not, in itself, proof of leadership capacity. Youthful energy must translate into tangible achievements and responsible governance. Nigerians should be wary of arguments that place age above experience, policy depth, judgment and demonstrated performance.
“The presidency demands more than physical stamina; it requires the capacity to manage a complex economy, address security challenges, strengthen public institutions and provide a clear direction for national development,” Oluyede said.
The OPARHA founder also criticised Makinde over comments he described as a comparison of President Bola Tinubu’s age and physical strength.
Oluyede argued that Tinubu’s political career demonstrated the importance of strategic thinking, organisational capacity, resilience and building sustainable institutions.
He said, “At the age Governor Makinde is today, President Tinubu was already governing Lagos State and confronting serious political and developmental challenges. Tinubu built political structures, navigated difficult circumstances and sustained a political movement that eventually expanded beyond Lagos”.
The PDP chieftain challenged Makinde to move beyond comparisons of age and energy and present an account of his achievements, political leadership and plans for Nigeria.
“The ultimate test of leadership is not how young a politician is, but what that politician has demonstrably accomplished with the opportunities and responsibilities entrusted to him,” Oluyede said.
Oluyede also questioned Makinde’s stewardship of the PDP in the South-West, arguing that the party’s political fortunes in the region should form part of any assessment of his leadership.
“Political leadership requires the ability to unite stakeholders, manage internal disagreements, strengthen party structures and create a credible pathway to electoral success.
“Anyone who aspires to national leadership must be prepared to answer questions about their handling of political organisations and relationships, particularly when those organisations face internal divisions and electoral challenges,” he said.
Oluyede challenged Makinde to explain how his leadership had strengthened the PDP’s position across the South-West and what concrete steps he had taken to address the party’s organisational difficulties.
The OPARHA founder also stressed the importance of respecting constituted authority and traditional institutions, arguing that political disagreements should be conducted with restraint and an appreciation of the responsibilities attached to public office.
He said, “public figures seeking higher office should demonstrate humility, respect for institutions and the maturity to engage opponents without reducing political debates to personal comparisons.
“President Tinubu’s record should be assessed through verifiable policies and governance outcomes, just as Makinde and other prospective presidential aspirants should be prepared to defend their own records before Nigerians.
“The 2027 presidential debate should focus on achievements, ideas, accountability and the capacity to deliver sustainable development,” Oluyede said.