Key Takeaways
- Segun Showunmi, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s media team, rejected physical fitness as a major requirement for effective presidential leadership.
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had challenged presidential candidates to jump at a campaign event in Akure, arguing that the office requires energy.
- Speaking on TVC News on Monday, Showunmi argued that presidents need clear thinking and policy skills, while presidential staff and infrastructure can handle physical tasks.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council’s media team, Segun Showunmi, has stated that the job of a president is not physical fitness.
Naija News reports that Showunmi said this while reacting to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s fitness challenge.
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.”
Reacting during an interview on TVC News’ Beyond The Headlines on Monday, Showunmi argued that physical strength is not a major requirement for effective presidential leadership.
He argued that 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.
“The work of a president is not to be doing physical exercise or be fighting Kung Fu,” Showunmi said.
