The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, telling the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next four or five years. The monarch made this declaration when the delegation, led by its director-general, Abdulaziz Yari, called on him at his palace in Lagos.
Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, told the Oba that the council had first sought the blessing of the Sokoto caliphate before travelling to Lagos. He described both visits as part of its preparations for a nationwide campaign drive, according to TheCable.
Campaign Council Seeks Support for Tinubu
Yari appealed for continued support for Tinubu, arguing that the president needed more time to build on what he called his administration's gains in areas including the economy, security, and infrastructure. He acknowledged that many Nigerians were feeling the weight of economic hardship but said certain indicators pointed to recovery, particularly around the availability of funds and efforts to stabilise the naira.
On security, Yari said Tinubu had kept up the supply of equipment and support to the military and police. He also added that the council's backing was not a matter of political loyalty alone but a genuine belief that the president should be allowed to see his plans through.
Oba Urges Politicians to Prioritise Peace
While expressing his support, Akiolu used the occasion to caution politicians against placing the pursuit of electoral victory above the welfare of the country. As reported by The Punch, he warned against adopting what he described as the Machiavellian principle that "the end justifies the means." The monarch urged members of the campaign council to be honest and to avoid any actions that could threaten peace and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the council had come to Lagos immediately after its engagement in Sokoto. He said the group included former governors, a former Senate President, former speakers, and serving governors.
Stakeholders Gather at Lagos Palace
The event drew a wide range of APC stakeholders in Lagos, among them local government chairmen, federal lawmakers, and members of the state assembly. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Senator Yari visited the Oba of Lagos as part of early grassroots mobilisation efforts for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign.
The visit signals a northern political push to build alliances with traditional rulers ahead of the next general elections. Nigerians on social media shared divided opinions about what the visit means for Tinubu's chances in the North.
