Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the traditional ruler of Lagos, has expressed unwavering confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at his palace during a courtesy visit by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairmen Forum, the monarch emphasized his desire for a peaceful electoral process free from violence, hatred, and bitterness.
Akiolu's Endorsement and Call for Peace
According to Vanguard, Oba Akiolu stated: “No matter the manoeuvres or political calculations, I remain confident that, by the grace of God, this election will end in victory for President Bola Tinubu. More importantly, I pray that it will be peaceful. What we should all pray for is good health, long life, and a peaceful nation where every Nigerian can live in harmony.”
The Oba of Lagos, a former police officer, is one of President Tinubu's closest and most steadfast allies. Their relationship spans decades, with the monarch consistently advocating for Tinubu and his party, the APC. This endorsement reinforces Tinubu's standing among traditional institutions in the Southwest.
2027 Election Timeline and Major Candidates
Nigeria's general elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, when voters will elect the president, vice president, senators, and House of Representatives members. Governorship and state assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027. Incumbent President Tinubu, an APC chieftain, has declared his intention to seek a second term.
Prominent presidential candidates include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Other contenders are Adewole Adebayo and Omoyele Sowore, making the race highly competitive.
Political Context and Support for Tinubu
APC stalwarts and some monarchs believe Tinubu remains the party's frontrunner and favorite to win. Earlier, Okezie James Atani, a prominent APC member, asserted that “President Tinubu will win the 2027 presidential election,” sharing a throwback video of Tinubu's campaign promises. The president's supporters cite his policy achievements and political network as key advantages.
However, opposition leaders have been mobilizing. Northern leaders have made early moves against Tinubu, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), though the APC dismissed this as inconsequential. Dele Momodu, a political analyst, predicts a showdown between Tinubu and Atiku, while others see Obi as a wildcard.
Call for Peaceful Elections
Oba Akiolu's plea for a non-violent election reflects broader concerns about political tensions in Africa's most populous nation. He urged citizens to prioritize national harmony over partisan bitterness, a sentiment echoed by many religious and traditional leaders. The 2027 election will test Nigeria's democratic resilience amid economic challenges and security threats.
